Austin FC announced a significant leadership change this week, naming Khaled El-Ahmad as its new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director. The appointment replaces Rodolfo Borrell, who departs after a brief tenure, and marks a strategic move aimed at reinforcing the club’s sporting vision.
A Global résumé for a Local Challenge
El-Ahmad arrives with a résumé that spans continents and competitions. His early years were shaped in Sweden, where he rose through the youth ranks of IK Sirius FK before earning a degree in marketing and an MBA in international business. He later completed a Sports Management Leadership Diploma at Örebro University, a foundation that blended business acumen with football expertise.
His professional journey took him to the heart of European football operations. At Djurgården Elitfotboll AB, he steered recruitment and helped the club reach the Swedish Cup Final in 2013. A subsequent stint with City Football Group saw him lead scouting efforts across CONCACAF and Scandinavia, contributing to New York City FC’s 2021 MLS Cup triumph.
In 2021, El-Ahmad took the reins at Barnsley FC as Chief Executive Officer and Sporting Director, overseeing a period of operational restructuring and on-field resurgence. He returned to Major League Soccer in December 2023, assuming the same dual role at Minnesota United FC, where his stewardship produced back-to-back playoff appearances and a franchise-record 58 points in 2025.
Beyond club management, El-Ahmad holds a UEFA-certified The FA Level 5 Technical Directors qualification, underscoring his commitment to modern sporting strategy. Fluent in several languages and rooted in a multicultural upbringing — born in Lebanon to Czech and Lebanese parents — he brings a global perspective that aligns with Austin FC’s ambition to compete at the highest level.