Saad Al-Shehri

Saad Ali Al-Shehri is a Saudi Arabian professional football manager and former player born on January 9, 1980, in Dammam. Al-Shehri studied sports education and worked as a physical education teacher, backgrounds that have deeply influenced his coaching philosophy emphasizing holistic development combining technical skills with physical fitness and mental resilience. He holds an AFC Pro License and prefers the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Al-Shehri began his managerial career with the Eastern Region Education Team from 2008 to 2009, followed by managing Al-Qadisiyah's U19 team to its first-ever Premier League title in 2011–12. He was appointed Saudi Arabia U20 manager on June 28, 2015, leading the team to the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship final and the Round of 16 of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

From March 2018, Al-Shehri managed Saudi Arabia's U23 national team, achieving a runners-up finish at the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship and leading Saudi Arabia to the 2020 Olympics for the first time since 1996. He won the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup and the 2022 West Asia Championship U23. He temporarily took charge of the senior national team during the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2022.

Career history

• Eastern Region Education Team, Manager (2008–2009)
• Al-Qadisiyah U19, Manager (won Premier League 2011–12)
• Saudi Arabia U20 National Team, Head Coach (2015–2017)
• Al-Ettifaq U23, Manager (2017)
• Al-Ettifaq First Team, Interim Manager (December 2017 – June 2018)
• Saudi Arabia U23 National Team, Head Coach (2018–2024)
• Saudi Arabia U21, Coach (2024)
• Al-Ettifaq First Team, Head Coach (January 2025–present)

What Saad Al-Shehri could bring to Al-Ettifaq: With a proven record of team transformation and youth development, Al-Shehri brings tactical flexibility (preferring 4-2-3-1 formations), continental tournament experience, and experience managing in pressure situations. In his second stint at Al-Ettifaq, he guided the team from relegation threat to a top-seven finish in the 2024-25 season, suggesting he could be instrumental in stabilizing and elevating the club's performance in Saudi Pro League competition.