Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has been left devastated following the sudden and unexpected death of his son Alex at the age of 38.
Alex Hughes, who was serving as Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town, died unexpectedly, prompting an outpouring of sympathy for the former Wales manager and his family.
In an emotional statement released through the League Managers Association, Mark and his wife Jill described their heartbreak at losing their beloved son.
The statement read: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.
“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.
“Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.
“We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”
Born in 1987 while his father was playing for Barcelona, Alex briefly pursued a career in football in Wales before establishing himself behind the scenes.
He built a respected reputation in the game, beginning as a match analyst at Blackburn Rovers before joining Manchester City as a scout. He later worked as chief analyst at Fulham and also held advisory roles with German side 1860 Munich and Reading.
In 2024, Alex became director of football at AFC Fylde before returning to recruitment work with Morecambe and, most recently, Grimsby Town.
His death has left colleagues, friends and family mourning a highly regarded football figure who had carved out his own successful career away from the spotlight.
Mark Hughes, 62, enjoyed a glittering playing career with Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers before becoming one of British football’s most recognisable managers.
The former Wales boss most recently managed Carlisle United, leaving the club last month following defeat in the National League play-off semi-finals.
