Al Nassr Appoint Jorge Jesus as Head Coach to Reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus has been named the new head coach of Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League club confirmed on Tuesday, setting the stage for a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It’s official: Mr. Jorge Jesus is the new Head Coach of Al Nassr,” the club announced on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Jesus, 70, takes over just months after parting ways with Al Nassr’s domestic rivals Al Hilal, who dismissed him in May following their elimination in the AFC Champions League semi-finals. This marks his return to Saudi football after a second stint with Al Hilal that began in 2023.

The veteran coach brings a wealth of experience, having managed top Portuguese sides including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. His résumé also features spells in Brazil and Turkey.

Jesus will now work alongside Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027, ending speculation about a possible exit. Despite finishing last season as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, the 40-year-old star has yet to lift a major domestic or continental title with the club, who also exited the Asian Champions League at the semi-final stage.