Ruiz led Real Sociedad to Champions League qualifying
Vidosic frontrunner to take over NWSL side Angel City
Brighton have confirmed the appointement of Arturo Ruiz from Real Sociedad as a replacement head coach for Dario Vidosic.
The Women’s Super League club have acted quickly to replace Vidosic, whose departure was confirmed earlier on Friday, just over a week before the start of the new Women’s Super League campaign. Vidosic is understood to be the leading candidate for the head coach role at the NWSL side Angel City and although Brighton are disappointed to lose the Croatia-born Australian, they are understood to be very happy to be able to bring in Ruiz on a three-year deal, subject to a work permit being finalised.
Ruiz led Sociedad to third in Liga F last season and into the qualifying rounds for the Women’s Champions League, where they are trailing Chelsea 5-2 on aggregate after Wednesday night’s first leg in London. “We are delighted to welcome Arturo to the club. During our recruitment process, he quickly stood out,” said Zoe Johnson, Brighton’s women’s and girls’ managing director. “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 said: “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.”
Vidosic has been in charge of Brighton for two years and led them to their first Wembley appearance in May’s 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.
“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,” said Johnson. “We are naturally disappointed but respect his decision to pursue a new challenge and wish him every success for the future. Our priority now is recruiting our new head coach and continuing our preparation ahead of the start of the Women’s Super League season next weekend.”
Vidosic, a former Australia midfielder who has also managed Melbourne City Women, said: “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.”
Angel City have been led by their interim head coach, Leif Smerud, the former Crystal Palace manager, since June’s departure of Alexander Straus. Sources close to Angel City have said the club are very happy with Smerud leading the team for the rest of this season. The Los Angeles-based team are ninth, two points off the playoffs.
Vidosic is understood to be greatly admired by Angel City. The Australian led Brighton to a fifth in England’s top division in 2025, before a seventh-placed finish last term. He has been popular with their supporters and his exit comes as a blow.
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A spokesperson for Angel City 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.”
