Hervé Renard’s second stint with Saudi Arabia has come to an abrupt end, with the French tactician confirming he has been relieved of his duties just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 57 year old Hervé Renard exits with his head held high, having etched his name in Saudi football history.
Renard famously led the Green Falcons to a stunning victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
“That’s football,” Renard said, reflecting on his departure. “At least there will be that sense of pride.”
A two-time AFCON winning coach with Zambia and Ivory Coast, Renard remains the only man to guide Saudi Arabia through both qualifiers and the World Cup in 2022.
His return in 2024, after a stint with the France women’s team, was meant to steady the ship following Roberto Mancini’s underwhelming spell.
Now, with the World Cup looming and tough Group H fixtures against Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde ahead, Saudi Arabia is scrambling for direction.
Georgios Donis is reportedly in line to take over, with negotiations already underway.
For Renard, it’s another dramatic chapter closed and another reminder of football’s ruthless timing.
