Al Riyadh have installed Spanish manager Javier Calleja to lead the club through next season’s Roshn Saudi League campaign.
The former Villarreal, Alaves, Levante and Real Oviedo head coach was confirmed as the capital club’s latest appointment on Saturday, replacing in the dugout Saudi Arabian Bandar Al Kubaishan.
Calleja, 47, rose to prominence in his first senior-team managerial role, when he guided Villarreal to fifth in La Liga in 2018. He did likewise during his season stint at the club, in 2020. A midfielder during his playing days, Calleja had represented Villarreal for six seasons.
He most recently managed Real Oviedo in Spain’s second tier, but left the club in March before they went on to secure promotion to La Liga for the first time in 24 years.
At Al Riyadh, Calleja takes charge of a side that finished 11th in last season’s RSL.
Related Content
-
Remodelled Al Riyadh look to relive former glories
Capital's fourth club recruited superbly in summer
Feature -
Striking Gold: 5 Saudis out to seize chance at CONCACAF showpiece
Saudi Arabia competing at Gold Cup on invite
Feature -
Ex-PSG manager Galtier joins NEOM SC revolution
Frenchman will lead new boys in debut RSL season
News -
Alguacil in at Al Shabab, Contra at Al Kholood
RSL welcomes two new managers for 2025-26 season
News -
Al Riyadh install Sabri Lamouchi as manager
Former Cote d’Ivoire and Rennes head coach replaces Odair Hellmann
News
-
2025-26 RSL: Meet the Managers
We've no shortage of top coaches this campaign
Feature -
2025-26 RSL Transfer Watch
Keep on top of all the moves this window
News -
2025-26 RSL: Young Players to Watch
Just some of the incredible youth on show this season
Feature -
Al Ahli defeat Al Nassr on penalties to seal Saudi Super Cup
Asian champions prevailed 5-3 on penalties in Hong Kong
News -
Quinones' top-notch Arabic, Retegui flexing: BTS at Al Qadsiah!
Video