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Abida Ahmad

NEOM Sports Club Appoints New Chief to Drive Growth, Community Engagement

NEOM Sports Club’s Ambitious Growth: The club, currently leading the Saudi First Division, is focused on enhancing performance, supporting talent development, and increasing community engagement, aiming to become a major force in Saudi and international football.
Alex Leitao Appointed CEO of NEOM Sports Club: Leitao, former CEO of Brazilian football club Athletico Paranaense and U.S. MLS team Orlando City, brings extensive global sports experience to lead NEOM Sports Club's growth and brand development, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

NEOM, November 5, 2024 – NEOM Sports Club has appointed Alex Leitao as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant milestone in the club’s ambitious growth strategy. Leitao, who previously served as the chief executive of Brazil’s Club Athletico Paranaense, brings a wealth of experience from top-tier sports organizations around the world, including U.S. Major League Soccer team Orlando City. His extensive background in managing and growing prominent football clubs aligns with NEOM Sports Club’s vision to become a global leader in sports excellence.


As CEO, Leitao will be tasked with driving the club’s growth, enhancing its performance, and expanding its brand presence across the region. His appointment comes as part of the broader objectives outlined under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformative plan aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global sports hub. NEOM Sports Club is at the forefront of this vision, with a clear focus on boosting sports participation, developing talent, and building deeper connections with the local community.


In his new role, Leitao will work closely with NEOM’s leadership team to elevate the club’s standing in both national and international competitions. The club’s rapid rise through the ranks, especially in professional football, is seen as a key factor in helping NEOM Sports Club compete at the highest levels. The football team is currently leading the Saudi First Division following their recent promotion, and the 2024-25 season promises to be a defining one as they look to maintain their momentum over the course of the campaign, which will conclude in May 2025 after 36 matches.


Moaath Alohali, who has served as CEO since the club’s ownership was transferred to NEOM in June 2023, will now transition to an advisory role. During his tenure, Alohali was instrumental in the club’s development, including the recruitment of world-class players and coaching staff, the establishment of a women’s football team, and the creation of a youth team program. His leadership helped lay the foundation for NEOM Sports Club's current success and future potential. NEOM Sports Club chairman Mishari Al-Mutairi expressed his gratitude for Alohali’s contributions, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the club’s trajectory and emphasizing that Alohali’s ongoing involvement in an advisory capacity would continue to benefit the club as it moves forward.


In a statement, Leitao expressed his excitement about joining NEOM Sports Club at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to sports. “As we enter a new and important phase, with Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global sports hub, I am delighted to take on this role at NEOM Sports Club. I am committed to contributing to the club’s sporting and social objectives, helping to distinguish it on the national and international stage,” Leitao said. “The rapid growth of NEOM Sports Club, particularly in professional football, will enable us to not only compete at the highest levels but also support the development of promising young talent and foster greater community engagement in this pioneering region.”


Leitao’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, which is poised to leverage its position within NEOM—a city being built to become a global beacon of innovation, sustainability, and high performance. The club is determined to attract the best players and coaches, in line with its ambition to be a leading force in Saudi and international football. With the club’s strategic focus on player development, community engagement, and talent pipeline expansion, NEOM Sports Club is positioning itself as a key player in the Kingdom’s broader sports ecosystem.


The 2024-25 season is expected to be a defining one for NEOM Sports Club as it continues to expand its reach and influence, with a growing emphasis on professional football. As the club progresses through the Saudi First Division, Leitao’s leadership will be integral in shaping the next chapter of its ambitious journey, one that promises to enhance the Kingdom’s standing as a global powerhouse in sports.


With Leitao at the helm, NEOM Sports Club is set to build on its early successes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for football in Saudi Arabia, while contributing to the broader goals of Vision 2030. As the club continues to grow, its commitment to fostering talent, engaging with the local community, and elevating the Kingdom’s global sports profile remains stronger than ever.

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