The Spaniard, who was in charge of City’s commercial and marketing department, will take up his new post in Saudi Arabia in January 2024.
Al-Hilal have confirmed the appointment of Esteve Calzada as the club’s new CEO.
Calzada’s job at City helped the Premier League champions announce record revenue of £712 million ($887 million) – an increase of £99.8 million ($124 million) from the previous year – for the 2022-23 season.
The Spaniard also had a big impact at Barcelona, where he worked as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer between 2002 and 2007 and helped oversee a massive financial and commercial push at the Liga giants.
Calzada’s appointment at Al-Hilal is a major coup for the Saudi Pro League’s most successful club, who have made headlines around the world for signing some of the biggest names in European football, including Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and the top scorer. Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Indeed, it is the latest statement of intent from Saudi Arabian football, which has grown exponentially in recent years and, in addition to Al-Hilal’s superstar players, boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane playing in the top flight. her.
The steps forward aren’t just at domestic league level – Saudi Arabia won plaudits for their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, seeing them miraculously defeat eventual winners Argentina in the group stage, a feat that will go down in history as one of the biggest shocks in history and will be enjoyed by players and fans for many years to come.
The women’s game also has positive benefits, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) having introduced a dedicated women’s football division in 2019, offering a platform for women and girls to pursue their dreams in football that was simply not possible before .
Saudi Arabia is also set to win the rights to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, as well as the women’s tournament next year, with excitement in the region understandably at an all-time high.
Announcing Calzada’s appointment, an official statement from Al-Hilal read: “Under the leadership of Mr. Fahad Bin Saad Bin Nafel, the board of Al-Hilal Club has taken the decision to appoint Spaniard Esteve Calzada as the new CEO. starting from January 2024, taking over from Mr. Abdullah Al-Jarboua.
“With a range of senior experience at top European clubs – such as Manchester City and Barcelona – and recognized as one of the most renowned sports marketers, Mr Calzada has been welcomed into his role by the Board and the team look forward to work together for the benefit of Al-Hilal, their goals and successes.
“Mr. Calzada has accumulated more than two decades of experience as a senior executive in the sports sector, beginning his tenure in 2002 where he served as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of FC Barcelona and more recently as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at City Football Group from in 2019. He holds a degree in Economics and an MBA from ESADE Business School.
“The decision to appoint M. Calzada was also accompanied with gratitude to Mr. Al-Jarboua for his achievements in his long-standing role at Al-Hilal as a player, administrator, board member and CEO. His experience and ability have been recognized as a major contribution to the club’s success and the Board of Directors wish him the best as he continues his career.”