The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced that it has accepted the resignation of French coach Hervé Renard, more than 4 months after a historic victory in the Qatar World Cup.

On 22 November, Lusail Stadium saw Saudi Arabia win a historic 2-1 victory over Argentina, who later won the title with Lionel Messi, in their opening World Cup matches in Qatar.

The win was Saudi Arabia's first ever opening campaign in all its previous World Cup appearances.

It is also the biggest upset in the history of World Cups, beating Algeria's victory over West Germany in 1982, according to statistics from Grisnot.

Take a few seconds of your time and enjoy the magic made by Salem Al-Dosari 🇸🇦🌪

One of the most important goals in the history of Saudi football and it is also one of the 👏💫 most beautiful @salem_d29 | @SaudiNT

— FIFA 🏆 World Cup (@fifaworldcup_ar) March 28, 2023

Although the Saudi march in Qatar to bid farewell to the tournament was unsuccessful, the national federation did not decide to leave the French coach unusually.

Press 📝⬇️ release pic.twitter.com/NyBfy3UUHs

— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT) March 28, 2023

Sometimes the SAFF sacked coaches so quickly, that even a single tournament could have seen more than one coach appear in the technical leadership.

Four months later, Frenchman Ronard decided to leave to answer the call of the homeland, but this time with the women's team, according to Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

He explained the extent of Ronard's impact in a video published by the SAFF in farewell to the French coach.

Message from Herve Renard 🎥⬇️ pic.twitter.com/0d8cYvNVVX

— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT) March 28, 2023

"We had great success in qualifying, topping the group against Japan and Australia, qualifying for the World Cup," Ronar said. We had a great experience, and the Argentina match will remain in the minds of Saudi fans."

But after this stunning result, Saudi Arabia lost to Poland and Mexico to bid farewell to the competition in Qatar, and the euphoria and celebrations turned into disappointment, as the national team failed to repeat its previous feat of reaching the second round.

"We played a great game against Poland but unfortunately we didn't get a good result," Ronar said.

The former Morocco coach took over Saudi Arabia in July 2019, and had he completed his contract until 2027, he would have been the longest-serving coach with the national team.

But the departure made him content with the second longest period with the Saudi national team, which amounted to 3 years and 205 days, after Egyptian Abdul Rahman Fawzi (3 years and 324 days), according to statistics from the Saudi national team's website.

Ronar has played 41 matches for Saudi Arabia, winning 20 of them, drawing 10 occasions and losing 11 matches, while Fawzi has played only 6 matches.

On Tuesday, Al Misehal responded to Ronard's request after contacting the French Federation, as he will return to coach the women's team that participates in the World Cup that starts in July.

The end of Hervé Renard's journey with the Saudi 🇸🇦 national team

A journey marked by a historic victory over world champions Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, punctuated by this speech that marked millions 🗣️🔥

What is your assessment of its path with the green? 🤔@Herve_Renard_HR | @SaudiNT pic.twitter.com/dg6iSbMd6k

— FIFA 🏆 World Cup (@fifaworldcup_ar) March 28, 2023

Big Leap

The coach who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia and Ivory Coast and has never coached a women's team before, concluded his career with Saudi Arabia with friendly losses to Venezuela and Bolivia this week, as he took charge and the national team in 68th place in the FIFA ranking and left it in 49th place.

Al Misehal told the network of the Saudi sports company SSC, "We thank the coach, we achieved successes together and advanced in the rankings."

The SAFF will not rush to choose Ronard's replacement, as it has decided not to play matches in the next break in June.

"We will study the alternative between now and June, and we will not announce its name until we review all the files. Today, the Saudi national team is an ambitious and big team, and it will certainly be coveted by many prestigious coaches."

Our coach and teacher Hervé Renard.
Thank you for every moment you spent with us.
Thank you for every effort you put in for us.
And thank you for everything you have given us.

And all wishes for you to succeed in the🙏🙏 coming days#هيرفي_ريناد pic.twitter.com/JWa9kjnJ2Q

— Salem Al-Dosari (@salem_d29) March 28, 2023

Salem Al-Dosari, who scored the winning goal against Argentina, sent a message to Ronar via his Twitter account.

The Saudi Al Hilal striker said: "Our coach and teacher Hervé Renard. Thank you for every moment you spent with us. Thanks for every effort you put in for us. And thank you for everything you have given us. I wish you all the best in your coming days."

Ronar could meet Saudi Arabia again when they play the Asian Cup in Qatar early next year.

"I wish you success in the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, I will support you and certainly if I can be present in the stands, I will be a fan of the Saudi national team," Ronar concluded.

"You will always remain in my heart and God bless you."