A high-stakes reunion is underway at Al‑Nassr as Cristiano Ronaldo officially welcomes Jorge Jesus as the club’s new manager for the 2025–26 season. The 70-year-old Portuguese coach returns to Saudi Arabia after a trophy-laden spell with rivals Al‑Hilal and succeeds Stefano Pioli under clear endorsement from Ronaldo himself.
Jesus arrives with an impressive résumé: a domestic treble at Al‑Hilal (2023), plus successful stints at top-tier clubs including Benfica, Flamengo (with a Copa Libertadores win), Sporting CP, and Fenerbahçe. His familiarity with Saudi football and tactical prowess convinced Al‑Nassr to sign him on a one-year deal.
This marks the first time Ronaldo will play under Jesus after collaborating with two other Portuguese coaches at Al‑Nassr—Luis Castro in 2023–24 and, more recently, Stefano Pioli. Ronaldo, who extended his Al‑Nassr contract until 2027, welcomed Jesus with a simple, heartfelt message on social media: “Bem‑vindo Mister.”
Speaking to A Bola, Jesus credited Ronaldo’s invitation for finalizing the move, expressing eagerness to help the club break its title drought and citing their shared nationality as a bond that would ease collaboration. “Without Cristiano Ronaldo, I certainly wouldn’t be there,” he said.
For Ronaldo, the timing is perfect: coming off his second consecutive Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League and boasting a record 800+ career club goals, he’s eager to finally lift the Saudi Pro League trophy. Jesus’ appointment signals a fresh push to complete that dream.
Al‑Nassr’s decision to appoint Jesus just ahead of the August 28 kickoff underlines its ambition to challenge top honors domestically and in continental competition. Strategic alignment with Ronaldo’s vision could mark a turning point after the club’s third-place finish last season.
This high-profile pairing—Ronaldo’s unmatched scoring record and Jesus’ proven management track record—sets the stage for a compelling, ambitious campaign. Al‑Nassr supporters are buzzing with anticipation: can this union finally deliver the silverware it’s coveted?
