Saudi Gazette report

NEOM — NEOM Sports Club have appointed French coach Christophe Galtier as their new manager ahead of the club’s first-ever campaign in the Roshn Saudi League, marking a major step forward for the ambitious team from Saudi Arabia’s northwest region.

The announcement was made Saturday, with Galtier replacing Brazilian manager Pericles Chamusca, who led NEOM SC to promotion by winning the 2024-25 First Division League title.

Galtier, 57, brings with him a distinguished résumé that includes title-winning stints in France’s Ligue 1 and most recently a two-year spell in Qatar with Al Duhail.

In a message posted on the club’s official social media channels, Galtier said: “I am really excited to be part of this big Saudi project. Happy to join one of the best leagues in the world. I cannot wait to write the story of NEOM Football Club.”

Best known for guiding Lille to a sensational Ligue 1 title in the 2020-21 season — ahead of giants PSG — Galtier was also named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year on three occasions.

His managerial journey began with an eight-year tenure at Saint-Étienne, where he transformed the club into consistent European contenders and won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2013.

Following his time at Lille, he briefly managed OGC Nice before taking the helm at Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, where he led the capital club to a league title.

He moved to Al Duhail in October 2023, coaching the Qatari side for two seasons.

NEOM SC’s bold move to bring in Galtier reflects the club’s growing ambition as they prepare for their debut in the Saudi Pro League. The team has already made headlines this summer with several high-profile signings, including French striker Alexandre Lacazette, Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone, and Saudi defender Faris Abdi.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s giga-project NEOM, the club aims to become a competitive force both domestically and in the long term on the continental stage.