Ruiz named Brighton boss after shock Vidosic exit

Brighton have confirmed the appointment of Arturo Ruiz as their new women's head coach following the shock departure of Dario Vidosic.

Ruiz, 29, has signed a contract until 2029 and will join the Women's Super League (WSL) club once his work permit is finalised.

His appointment comes hours after it was confirmed Australia Vidosic was stepping down from his role as manager just a week before the start of the season.

Brighton said Vidosic has left "to pursue a new opportunity", and it is believed a move to the United States is on the cards, with sources saying National Women's Soccer League side Angel City are the most likely destination.

Ruiz joins Brighton from Real Sociedad, where he took over as head coach in July 2025.

He held his first managerial position at Atletico Madrid and guided them to a third-place finish in Liga F, securing Women's Champions League qualification.

The Spaniard later joined Granada CF before becoming Real Sociedad's head coach, again finishing third in the league.

"We are delighted to welcome Arturo to the club," said Zoe Johnson, Brighton's women's and girls' managing director.

"During our recruitment process, he quickly stood out. He has a proven track record of developing teams and individuals.

"We have confidence in his ability 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."

Despite the swift appointment, Vidosic's departure is still a major blow for Brighton.

The Australian joined from Melbourne City in 2024 and signed a three-year deal as Brighton sought to close in on the WSL's top four.

In his first season in charge, Vidosic led them to a fifth-place finish - their best in the WSL - and they recorded memorable wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in 2025-26.

Most notably, they reached the Women's FA Cup final for the first time in the club's history in May.

"I have loved my time at Albion and am proud of what we have achieved together," Vidosic said.

"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."

With a week to go before the new season, Brighton were being tipped as one of the clubs capable of challenging WSL big hitters Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United for a top-four place.

They kick off their WSL season at home to Arsenal on Sunday, 6 September (12:00 BST).

Brighton have taken big strides in recent seasons and the club have invested in the playing squad, so they will be gutted to lose Vidosic.

He was brought in as a relatively unknown coach in Europe having started his post-playing career in Australia.

A two-year spell at Melbourne City showed his potential and since joining Brighton, Vidosic has quickly become one of the most respected coaches in England.

His style of play has been exciting and creative, though it has meant Brighton have lacked consistency at times.

However, they showed during his two seasons in charge that they were capable of taking on the WSL's giants and were rewarded with an FA Cup final last year.

All signs pointed to a positive future as the club announced in April its plans for Europe's first purpose-built women's stadium, costing in the region of £80m.

They had attracted big-name players such as England's Euro 2022 winner Fran Kirby, and this summer they signed Switzerland captain Lia Walti.

But the timing of Vidosic's exit is a massive blow and while the plan was to kick on and close in on a top four spot, they must now undergo a managerial transition.

From Vidosic's perspective, the NWSL remains one of the world's best leagues and he is likely to have more of a say in recruitment and the club's overall project.

New signings joined Brighton to play under Vidosic and his style of football, so will the club's recruitment suit Ruiz?

The Spaniard has made a name for himself in his home country and has a clear style - but he only has days before the WSL season kicks off.

It means Brighton are likely to be on the back foot at the start of a campaign in which they hoped to build momentum.