Djamel Belmadi has officially been named the new head coach of Qatari club Al Duhail, marking his return to a familiar managerial role in the Gulf region.
The former Algeria national team boss takes charge of the Qatar Stars League side following confirmation of his appointment on Saturday.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation about Belmadi’s next move after his departure from the Algerian national team earlier this year.
Belmadi, who previously managed Al Duhail between 2015 and 2018, enjoyed considerable success during his earlier stint at the club.
His return is seen as a strategic decision by the club’s hierarchy to reintroduce a manager familiar with the team’s culture and ambitions.
In a brief but direct statement, Al Duhail confirmed the news via their official channels: “Djamel Belmadi is officially the new head coach of Al Duhail.”
No further details were provided regarding the length of his contract or the terms of his agreement.
Belmadi’s reappointment signals a new chapter for the Doha-based side, who have struggled to maintain consistent form in recent seasons despite their strong domestic pedigree.
The club, which has regularly competed in continental tournaments such as the AFC Champions League, will look to Belmadi to restore its competitive edge both at home and abroad.
During his previous tenure with Al Duhail, Belmadi guided the club to multiple domestic titles, cementing his reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in the region.
His tactical discipline, coupled with an ability to motivate high-performing squads, played a pivotal role in the team’s dominance during that period.
Following his club-level achievements, Belmadi was appointed head coach of the Algerian national team in 2018. He led the national side to a historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2019, revitalising Algerian football and earning widespread acclaim.
However, disappointing results in recent international tournaments led to mounting pressure, ultimately resulting in his exit from the national post.
His return to club football comes at a crucial moment for Al Duhail, who are looking to rebuild and reassert themselves as title contenders in Qatar’s top division.
With his deep knowledge of the league and previous success at the club, expectations are high that Belmadi can engineer a swift turnaround in fortunes.
The club’s supporters, many of whom remember his earlier triumphs, have expressed optimism about the decision. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages welcoming the former midfielder back to the helm.
Belmadi now faces the immediate challenge of shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign, assessing both existing players and potential signings in a competitive transfer market.
His experience and leadership will be vital in navigating the club through a period of transition.
Al Duhail’s management has yet to announce any formal presentation or press conference, but it is expected that Belmadi will meet the media in the coming days to outline his vision for the team.
His appointment marks a significant step in Al Duhail’s plans to reclaim their place at the top of Qatari football, as they place their trust once again in a coach who knows what it takes to win.
