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

NEOM: NEOM Sports Club appointed Alex Leitao as its new chief executive officer. Previously the chief executive of Brazilian football team Club Athletico Paranaense, he brings extensive experience with renowned sports clubs around the world, including U.S. Major League Soccer team Orlando City, the NEOM club said Monday in a news release. According to Saudi Press Agency, Leitao will focus on driving the club's growth, performance, and brand across the region. This aligns with ambitions of NEOM and the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, as the club continues to engage with the local community and build on its talent development initiatives to increase sports participation throughout the Kingdom. Moaath Alohali, who has held the chief executive position since the club's ownership transferred to NEOM in June 2023, will now take on an advisory role. He has been instrumental in the club's success, recruiting top-tier players and coaching staff and establishing a dedicated women's football team and a youth team pro gram. NEOM Sports Club chairman Mishari Al-Mutairi expressed his gratitude to Alohali and emphasized the club's commitment to attracting the best players and coaches to NEOM, in line with the goal of reaching the highest levels of sports. Leitao, the new chief executive, stated, "As we enter a significant phase with the Kingdom's transformation into a global sports hub, I am delighted to join a sports club to contribute to achieving its sporting and social objectives, adding further distinction to its national journey." He added that the rapid growth of NEOM Sports Club, with a focus on professional football, is a key factor that enables the club to compete, support promising talents, and enhance community engagement in this pioneering region. The NEOM Sports Club football team is currently leading the Saudi First Division following their promotion. The 2024-25 season will conclude in May 2025 after 36 games.