Al Ahli Jeddah Dismisses Medical Staff After Galeno Injury Saga
11 October 2025
Saudi outlets reported a bold, abrupt decision by Al Ahli Saudi FC’s board, led by Khalid Al-Ghamdi, to oust the club’s medical staff in their entirety. The move followed the ongoing injury saga of Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno, who has missed several key games this season. Details suggest Galeno’s injury was not diagnosed correctly for more than a month, worsening his condition and keeping him sidelined longer than expected, provoking anger from both management and the coaching staff. A full medical staff overhaul was deemed urgent to restore order and precision.
The Real Reason for the Dismissal
According to the Saudi daily Al Yaom, the club decided to sever ties with the medical team without formal public explanation, though insiders close to the club say misdiagnosis and a lack of proper treatment were the core issues. The Brazilian winger had suffered an injury ahead of the AFC Champions League group-stage clash with Nasaf Qarshi, and medical missteps allegedly prolonged his absence.
The friction between the technical and medical teams grew as the staff failed to pinpoint the injury or lay out a precise rehabilitation plan, prompting the management to intervene with the dramatic decision.
Injury Knocks Al Ahli’s Attack
Since Galeno’s injury against Nasaf, his absence has visibly affected Al Ahli’s attacking system, as he is a key starter in coach Jaissleh’s lineup. He missed the clash with Al Hilal in the third round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, a 3-3 draw, and also did not feature in the fourth round win over Al Hazm (2-0).
While fans awaited his return, a second blow arrived during the Intercontinental Cup against Pyramids, when Galeno played only 30 minutes before requesting a substitution due to a fresh setback, and Al Ahli lost 3-1. The scene intensified anger among fans, who blamed the medical staff for failing to manage the treatment plan properly.
Decline in Numbers and Fears of Repetition
To date, Galeno has not yet delivered the expected impact in the current season (2025-26), appearing in six matches for 381 minutes without a goal or an assist. Supporters hope the medical department replacement will accelerate his return and improve injury management as the side enters a crowded schedule of domestic and continental fixtures.
Reports indicate the player is expected to be ready after the current international break, ahead of the clash with Al Shabab in the fifth round of Roshen on Oct. 17, a test of the team’s readiness after the latest upheaval.
A High-Profile Signing Under Pressure
Galeno joined Al Ahli in January 2025 from Porto for a reported fee around €50 million, signing a contract through June 2028. The winger was initially linked with a move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024, but Al Ahli’s late intervention sealed the deal and made him one of the club’s marquee signings since the club’s partial takeover by the Public Investment Fund.
In his time with Al Ahli, Galeno has made 24 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing five assists; recurring injuries this season have hindered his progress, leading some fans to call him “the deal that isn’t finished yet.”
Despite a bright start to the season, including the Saudi Super Cup triumph over Al Nassr on penalties, Al Ahli’s league form has fluctuated. The team beat Neom (1-0), drew with Al Ettifaq (0-0), and drew with Al Hilal (3-3) before a return to victory against Al Hazm (2-0). In Asia, Al Ahli opened the Champions League Elite stage with a 4-2 comeback win over Nasaf Qarshi but then dropped points to Al-Duhail (2-2). In domestic cup competition, the side advanced to the Round of 32 in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and lost the Intercontinental Cup to Pyramids; such variability has pushed the club to seek urgent fixes, with injuries identified as a key factor behind the lack of consistency.
What’s Next
The club is hoping a healthier Galeno, combined with a refreshed medical staff, will help stabilize a hectic schedule, including a clash with Shabab in October and a run of fixtures across domestic and continental competitions. Supporters remain hopeful that the turnaround comes with a spark for the league title chase and a deeper run in Asia.
Punchline 1: If misdiagnosis were a transfer, Galeno’s career would be on a lifelong loan to the doctors—the renewal never ends.
Punchline 2: In football, the speed of a counter-attack is rivaled only by the speed of a doctor’s MRI appointment—talk about a fast break in more ways than one.
