Mark Hughes announces the passing of his son Alex
Former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes has announced the death of his son Alex at the age of 38, describing himself and his wife as “totally heartbroken” by the loss, reports BritPanorama.
The 62-year-old, who also played for Chelsea and managed the Welsh national team between 1999 and 2004, released a statement through the League Managers Association on Saturday evening. “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,” Hughes stated.
He described Alex as “a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.”
Alex had a brief playing career, featuring for Stockport County and Wrexham before transitioning into backroom roles within the sport. In 2007, he joined Blackburn Rovers as a performance analyst while his father managed the club. His subsequent career in player analysis and recruitment took him to Manchester City and Fulham.
After working alongside his father, Alex led a private football academy in Portugal before moving into player agency work. More recently, he held positions at non-league clubs AFC Fylde and Morecambe prior to his appointment at Grimsby Town.
Alex joined the League Two club in 2025 as player recruitment lead, a role he held until his passing. The club stated that he “played an important role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men’s first-team squad.” Grimsby described how Alex “quickly became a valued and highly respected member of the football club” following his arrival.
The statement, published on the club’s website on Sunday, noted that he was “a highly valued member of the Grimsby family.” Grimsby Town expressed its devastation at the sudden passing of Alex. “Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother, and friend,” the statement read.
The club extended heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family, including his wife Jessica, his sons Sebastian and Leonardo, and his parents Mark and Jill. They requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time, while the Hughes family also asked for privacy “during this sad time.”
In football, where the bonds of family often intertwine with the game itself, the touching tributes highlight not just a loss, but a legacy that will echo within the hearts of those he touched.
