Former Everton star Mark Hughes has announced the sudden death of his son Alex at the age of 38.
In a statement released through the League Managers Association, Hughes and his wife Jill expressed their devastation. 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 had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.”
Alex Hughes' football career
Alex Hughes had recently been appointed as player recruitment lead at League Two Grimsby Town in July 2025. Prior to that, he worked under his father at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham. He also had spells at AFC Fylde and Morecambe after playing for Stockport County and Wrexham.
Mark Hughes' illustrious career
Mark Hughes, 62, won 72 caps for Wales and scored 16 international goals. As a player, he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup and the European Cup-Winners' Cup with Manchester United, scoring twice in the 1991 final against Barcelona. At Chelsea, he added another FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup-Winners' Cup. He also helped Blackburn Rovers win the League Cup in 2002.
Hughes had a brief spell at Everton in 2000, making 19 appearances and scoring once in a 4-2 win over Watford on April 1, 2000. He was a popular figure among Blues supporters during his seven-month stay at Goodison Park.
Management career
After retiring, Hughes managed Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Southampton, Bradford City and most recently Carlisle United. He left Carlisle by mutual consent on May 28, 2026, three weeks after their National League play-off defeat to Boreham Wood.
