Just two days after leaving Inter Milan devastated by their Champions League final loss, Simone Inzaghi took on a dazzlingly lucrative new role as head coach of Al-Hilal.
Confirming recent rumors, the Italian coach finalized his move to the Saudi club shortly after parting ways with Inter Milan.
Al-Hilal announced on social media Wednesday, “The Italian genius has arrived.”
Inzaghi’s contract with Al-Hilal runs for two years. While the exact salary details haven’t been made public, it’s expected to be eye-catching, similar to other big-name players and coaches who have moved to Saudi Arabia. Italian media reports estimate his pay could exceed 20 million euros per season — possibly even close to 30 million euros.
The former forward ended his two-decade playing career in 2008. He then transitioned to coaching, breaking into top-level management in 2016 when he took charge of Lazio. He stayed there for five years, winning one Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups.
In 2021, he took over at Inter Milan, where he secured a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and three Italian Super Cups.
Under his guidance, Inter reached the Champions League final twice in three seasons — but lost on both occasions. In 2023, they fell to Manchester City, and this year they were crushed by PSG in the final.
At one point this season, Inter Milan were close to a treble, but they lost the Coppa Italia final to city rivals AC Milan and finished as runners-up in Serie A, just one point behind Napoli. Following their heavy defeat to PSG in the Champions League final and a trophyless season, Inzaghi’s departure was confirmed by mutual agreement, though it felt more like a sacking.
Al-Hilal, the club he’s joined, boasts a rich history in Saudi football. They have won the Saudi league a record 19 times and have been crowned Asia’s best on four occasions.
Inzaghi’s new journey will begin soon with the FIFA Club World Cup. Al-Hilal’s first opponent will be Real Madrid on June 18 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
