Egyptian giants Al Ahly have announced the departure of Spanish coach José Riveiro, following a brief and challenging start to the 2025–26 season. Riveiro’s tenure lasted just seven matches, culminating in a 2–0 defeat to league rivals Pyramids FC that left the team struggling in 12th place with only five points from four league games.
Riveiro, 49, was appointed in May 2025 on a two-year contract, taking charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, the team’s performance fell short of expectations. Al Ahly exited the Club World Cup after drawing two matches and losing to Brazilian side Palmeiras. Domestically, the squad recorded just one win, two draws, and one loss under Riveiro’s guidance.
The club described the departure as “by mutual consent” and expressed gratitude to Riveiro and his coaching staff for their efforts. Despite his short stint at Al Ahly, Riveiro had previously achieved notable success in African football, most prominently with South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, where he won multiple domestic cup titles and reached the semifinals of the 2024–25 CAF Champions League.
Al Ahly, Africa’s most decorated club in CAF Champions League history, will now begin the search for a new head coach to stabilize the team and challenge for domestic and continental honors.
Riveiro’s sudden exit highlights the high expectations and pressure faced by managers at top African clubs, where immediate results are often demanded from the start. His next move in football remains a topic of speculation among fans and analysts alike.
