Brighton Women Appoint Arturo Ruiz as New Head Coach

Brighton Women confirm that Arturo Ruiz has been appointed new head coach on a contract until 2029.

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

Before entering senior management, Ruiz served in technical, performance, and youth development roles within academy structures in Spanish clubs, including spells at and Atlético Madrid.

In March 2024, Ruiz was appointed first-team head coach of Atlético Madrid, making his managerial debut at 27. Across nine matches, he guided the squad to a third-place finish in Liga F and secured qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Ruiz was subsequently appointed head coach of Granada CF Femenino for the 2024–25 campaign, where he led the team to a fifth-place finish in the league – the club’s highest in history – alongside a run to the semi-finals of the Copa de la Reina.

Following his tenure with Granada, Ruiz joined Real Sociedad Femenino in Liga F. In the 2025–26 season, he had a record of 21 wins, six draws, and five losses, securing a third-place finish and secured a spot for the qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

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

“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 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.”

Sporting director Mike Cave added: “Arturo is a talented young coach who has demonstrated his ability in improving the teams and players he has worked with during his coaching career.

“His leadership qualities and coaching philosophy excite us, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve within our environment.”