Egyptian champions Al Ahly have dismissed head coach Jose Riveiro following a disappointing run of results at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Spaniard’s departure was confirmed after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to rivals Pyramids FC, leaving the Cairo club with just one win from their opening four league games.
In a statement, Ahly said they had “amicably” ended Riveiro’s contract, while thanking him and his staff for their time in charge.
Riveiro, 49, was appointed in May on a two-year deal after replacing Marcel Koller. He also led the team at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they exited at the group stage.
Before joining Ahly, Riveiro enjoyed a successful spell in South Africa with Orlando Pirates.
Jose Riveiro during his time with the Egyptians giants. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Appointed in June 2022, he guided the Soweto club to the 2022 MTN 8 and 2022–23 Nedbank Cup titles, while securing a second-place finish in the Premier Division to qualify for the CAF Champions League in his first campaign.
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He followed that up by winning the 2023 MTN 8 Cup and defending the 2023–24 Nedbank Cup against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. In 2024, Riveiro became the first coach in history to win the MTN 8 three times in a row.
Jose Riveiro managed the Al Ahly for 7 official matches winning 1 match, drawing 4 and losing 2 games. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 2024–25 season saw Pirates finish runners-up in both the Premiership and Nedbank Cup, while reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where they were edged out 3–2 on aggregate by Pyramids the same side who delivered the decisive blow to his Ahly reign.
Ahly’s only league victory so far this season came in a 4-1 win against Pharco FC. Draws with Modern Sport and Ghazl El Mahalla, alongside the defeat to Pyramids, have left the defending champions with just five points from four matches – their worst start in nearly a decade.
Riveiro cut a frustrated figure during his final days at the club. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Frustration grew among fans following Saturday’s loss, with calls for Riveiro’s dismissal echoing around the stadium.
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The club has yet to name a successor, but officials said a new technical plan will be announced shortly. Ahly return to league action on 14 September against Enppi after the international break.
