Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr has officially appointed veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus as their new head coach, following a personal recommendation from star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The move comes after the dismissal of former manager Stefano Pioli, with Jesus emerging as the preferred choice over Sergio Conceicao due to his experience and familiarity with the Saudi Pro League.
At 70 years old, Jorge Jesus brings a wealth of experience, having managed top clubs such as Benfica, Sporting CP, Fenerbahce, and Flamengo. Last season, he led Al Hilal—Al Nassr’s fierce rivals—to an impressive treble, winning the league, the national cup, and the Saudi Super Cup.
This will be Jesus’s first time coaching Ronaldo, despite both having long and successful careers in European football. Speaking at Lisbon Airport before departing for Saudi Arabia, Jesus expressed excitement about the opportunity: “I couldn’t turn down Cristiano’s invitation. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. He’s won everything at every club he’s played for—Saudi Arabia is the only one left. I’ll try to help him win this year.”
Jesus also spoke fondly of his return to Saudi Arabia: “I love Saudi Arabia. It’s a country with a bright future in football and beyond. Returning to manage Al Nassr, the rival of my former club Al Hilal, is just part of the job. In coaching, switching between rivals is normal.”
Spanish outlet AS noted that Jesus was handed a one-year deal specifically to satisfy Ronaldo, and his appointment is seen as a strategic move to convince the Portuguese icon to extend his contract with Al Nassr until 2027. As Ronaldo continues his quest to add a Saudi league title to his decorated career, Jorge Jesus’s arrival signals Al Nassr’s determination to support their star and chase domestic and continental glory.