Brighton name Arturo Ruiz head coach after Dario Vidosic departure
Brighton confirmed on 28 August 2026 that Arturo Ruiz has been appointed head coach on a three-year deal, subject to a work permit, to replace Dario Vidosic.
The club moved quickly after Vidosic’s exit was confirmed earlier on Friday, a change that comes just over a week before the start of the new Women’s Super League season. Ruiz arrives from Real Sociedad, having guided them to third in Liga F last season and into the qualifying rounds for the Women’s Champions League, where Sociedad are trailing Chelsea 5-2 on aggregate after Wednesday’s first leg in London. Vidosic is understood to be the frontrunner for the head coach role at NWSL side Angel City, and Brighton said they were disappointed to lose him but pleased to secure Ruiz.
Zoe Johnson, Brighton’s women’s and girls’ managing director, described Ruiz as the standout candidate during the club’s recruitment process. She said: "We are delighted to welcome Arturo to the club. During our recruitment process, he quickly stood out." Johnson added: "He has a proven track record of developing teams and individuals. We have confidence in his ability to continue to drive this team forward, and he will have our full support as we make our final preparations for the start of the new WSL season."
Writing on Instagram on Friday, Ruiz reflected on his time at Real Sociedad, saying: "I would have liked my farewell to both the team and the fans to have been different, but circumstances didn’t allow it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the players and colleagues at the club, who have treated me so well. Together we’ve experienced something spectacular, which will leave a lasting memory for each and every one of us." The club confirmed the appointment is subject to a work permit being finalised.
Vidosic had been in charge at Brighton for two years and led them to their first Wembley appearance in May’s Women’s FA Cup final. Johnson paid tribute to his contribution: "We would like to thank Dario for his contribution over the past two years. During his time with the club, he led us to our highest-ever WSL finish and our first Women’s FA Cup final." The departure of the 39-year-old, which was first reported by the Daily Telegraph, is understood to have surprised many members of Brighton’s squad.
Vidosic, a former Australia midfielder who has also managed Melbourne City Women, said of his exit: "I have loved my time at the Albion and am proud of what we have achieved together. Leaving has been a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right time for me and my family to begin a new chapter. I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters for their support throughout my time at the club and wish everyone associated with Albion every success." Brighton noted they respect his decision to pursue a new challenge and wished him well.
Angel City have been led by interim head coach Leif Smerud since the June departure of Alexander Straus, and sources close to the Los Angeles-based club say they are very happy with Smerud leading the team for the rest of this season. Angel City are ninth, two points off the playoffs, and a club spokesperson said: "We are making progress with finalists for our head coach position. We are not planning to appoint a head coach until after the end of this season. We are proud of the team’s development and remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong."
Ruiz’s arrival is pending the completion of the work permit process, and Brighton will continue preparations for the opening of the Women’s Super League season next weekend.