Minnesota United Appoints Khaled El-Ahmad as Chief Soccer Officer
Minnesota United FC has hired Khaled El-Ahmad as its new Sporting Director and Chief Soccer Officer.
The CEO of the club, Shari Ballard, expressed her excitement about the hiring, saying that El-Ahmad has a tremendous background, a track record of success, exceptional technical vision, a leadership approach that matches the club’s values and beliefs, and an energy and focus that she personally loves.
El-Ahmad himself expressed his gratitude to the club for entrusting him with this opportunity and his eagerness to help the club excel on the field and have a positive impact on the community.
About Khaled El-Ahmad
El-Ahmad has over 15 years of experience in soccer, working in a variety of technical and front-office roles. Before joining MUFC, he was the CEO and Sporting Director for Barnsley Football Club of the EFL League One, where he oversaw the technical strategy, roster creation and management, coaching hires and development, and the club’s business and commercial operations.
Prior to his time with Barnsley, he was part of the CONCACAF and Scandinavia Scouting Lead for the holding group, City Football Group (CFG).
Childhood
El-Ahmad was born in Lebanon to Czech and Lebanese parents. He was primarily raised in Uppsala, Sweden, and took an interest in soccer at a young age.
He played youth soccer for his hometown club IK Sirius FK of Sweden’s topflight in 1998.
He then made his way to the United States to play collegiately for the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee from 2000-2004.
El-Ahmad graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and International Business from UW Milwaukee, along with a Sports Management Leadership Diploma from Örebro University, achieved in 2013.
El-Ahmad has founded several business ventures, including Connect Management Group, a women’s-soccer full-service agency representing players across the globe.
El-Ahmad will join Minnesota United in the coming months. He comes in with the team wrapping up their 2023 season in 11 place in the East. Their record was 10 wins, 11 draws, and 13 losses.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
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