Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes has been left 'heartbroken' by the sudden death of his son, Alex, at the age of 38.
Alex Hughes' football career
Alex Hughes was working as a player recruitment lead for Grimsby Town at the time of his death. He had previously held roles at Manchester City, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and in Germany with 1860 Munich. He also had a brief playing career, being on the books of Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007 as a performance analyst during his father's time as manager. He followed Mark to Manchester City in 2008 and worked with him again at Fulham before forging his own path abroad. He joined Grimsby in 2025.
Family statement
In a statement released via the League Managers Association, Mark Hughes said: '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.'
Mark Hughes' managerial career
Mark Hughes is currently out of work, having left Carlisle United in May after failing to win promotion to the Football League. He has previously managed Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, and other clubs.
