JEDDAH — Laurent Blanc secured the 16th title of his managerial career in style on Thursday night, guiding Al Ittihad to their 14th Saudi Pro League crown — and his first major trophy outside of France. With the league-clinching win over Al Raed in Round 32, Blanc became only the second French manager in history to lift the Saudi top-flight title, and the first in 30 years since Jean Fernandez led Al Nassr to glory in the 1994-1995 season. The former France international has now won domestic league titles with three different clubs across two continents. His previous honors include four Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, four French League Cups, and five French Super Cups — achieved during successful stints at Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain. The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title marks Blanc's first championship in charge of a non-French side. He previously managed Qatar's Al Rayyan and French club Lyon without silverware, making Al Ittihad the third team under his management to win a trophy. Blanc took over at Al Ittihad at the start of the season with high expectations following a turbulent campaign, and under his leadership, the Jeddah club have not only reclaimed the domestic title but also reached the final of the King's Cup, where they will face Al Qadsiah on May 30. With his tactical nous and experience, Blanc has added another chapter to his legacy and in the process, ended a three-decade wait for French managerial success in the Kingdom.
