Laurent Blanc
September 2025

Al-Ittihad dismissed Laurent Blanc a day after losing 2-0 to Al-Nassr, their third defeat of the season. The Frenchman, who guided them to a league and cup double last year, paid the price for defensive struggles and poor recent form. Goals from Sadio Mané and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed Blanc’s fate. Despite boasting Karim Benzema, Blanc lamented injury-hit backline options. The club confirmed his exit via social media, ending his brief Saudi tenure after just over a year in charge.