Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed Arturo Ruiz as their new women’s team head coach, with the Spaniard taking over just one week before the Women’s Super League season begins.
Ruiz comes from Real Sociedad Femenino where he assumed control since July of 2025. His only full season in Spain was when he led them to third place in the Liga F, improving his resume as a coach who can build teams. The 2029 contract is for a long-term tie-up as Brighton seek to develop on an impressive spell under former head coach Dario Vidosic. The Australian stepped down after two years to explore other job opportunities.
Vidosic’s time in Brighton was extremely fruitful as they finished fifth in the WSL last season and secured their first Women’s FA Cup final. He has been with the club since 2024, having been recruited from Melbourne City.
Ruiz will come on board when his work permit is finalized, Brighton said. The new coach is a standout during his recruitment process, as he has proven to be a successful developer of players and teams, according to women’s and girls’ MD Zoe Johnson.
Johnson said he was confident that Ruiz would be able to carry on with this team in the future and that they would be supporting him fully this upcoming season.
Vidosic’s next move has not been finalized, but the British media has been speculating that the position of NWSL club Angel City’s head coach could be his next calling. Vidosic said he “loved” his time at Brighton, and was very proud of the team’s accomplishments there.
