Koulibaly and Bounou bid farewell as Al Hilal part ways with coach Jorge Jesus

Jorge Jesus has officially been dismissed by Al Hilal, bringing an end to a trophy-laden spell with the Saudi giants despite his recent domestic success.

The 70-year-old Portuguese coach was relieved of his duties on Saturday morning in a move that has surprised many within Saudi Arabian football. Under his leadership, Al Hilal secured a dominant 2023–24 season, lifting the Saudi Pro League title alongside the Saudi Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.

Central to that success were Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, both of whom played crucial roles in delivering silverware.

The pair, among the high-profile recruits brought in during Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to attract top talent, have publicly expressed their gratitude and respect for the outgoing coach.

Koulibaly, who joined Al Hilal following a brief stint at Chelsea, anchored the defence with consistency and leadership throughout the campaign.

His composure at the back was vital as Al Hilal cruised to league glory. Meanwhile, Bounou, acquired after a successful period at Sevilla, proved to be a decisive figure between the posts, particularly during key moments in the domestic cup competitions.

Despite the trio’s remarkable achievements this season, Jorge Jesus’s departure marks an unexpected shift for the Riyadh-based club.

The decision to part ways comes just weeks after clinching the league title, fuelling speculation about internal dynamics or differing visions between the coach and club hierarchy.

Jesus, who previously enjoyed successful stints with Benfica and Flamengo, has now seen his second spell in Saudi Arabia end under contrasting circumstances.

His first tenure with Al Hilal in 2018 lasted less than a year, and though his return yielded significant success, it has again concluded abruptly.

During his final campaign, Al Hilal maintained a dominant run in the Saudi top flight, often appearing unchallenged in their pursuit of the league crown.

The team’s performances in cup competitions further solidified their status as the pre-eminent side in the country. However, off-the-field decisions have ultimately brought Jesus’s time to a close.

For players like Koulibaly and Bounou, the departure of a coach under whom they flourished could bring uncertainty, particularly as Al Hilal looks to build upon its recent achievements. Both players were quick to acknowledge Jesus’s contribution to their success and that of the club.

The Saudi football landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and Al Hilal, as one of its flagship teams, is no exception.

The club’s ambition, bolstered by significant investment and international recruitment, now turns to appointing a successor capable of maintaining their winning momentum.

While Jorge Jesus departs with three major titles added to his resume, the impact of his leadership will be remembered by players and fans alike.

For Koulibaly and Bounou, the farewell signals the end of a chapter that saw them reach new heights under a seasoned European tactician whose methods clearly resonated on the pitch.

Al Hilal has yet to announce a replacement.