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Jorge Jesus Returns to Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr’s New Head Coach for 2025-26 Season

Jorge Jesus Returns to Saudi Arabia as Al-Nassr’s New Head Coach for 2025-26 Season
Al-Nassr has officially appointed Jorge Jesus as their new head coach for the upcoming 2025-26 season, following the departure of Stefano Pioli after an underwhelming campaign. The 70-year-old Portuguese manager signed a one-year contract with an option to extend, marking his return to Saudi Arabian football after previously leading Al-Hilal in two separate stints.

During his time with Al-Hilal, Jesus enjoyed significant success, winning major domestic trophies and setting a world record with 34 consecutive wins across all competitions. His track record and leadership experience made him a top candidate to guide Al-Nassr back to winning form. His familiarity with the Saudi Pro League is expected to be an advantage in handling the pressures of a club eager for silverware.

The decision to bring in Jesus was reportedly influenced by Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his stay at the club through 2027. Both share a winning mentality and aligned visions, which could be crucial in restoring Al-Nassr’s dominance. Jesus is also expected to play a central role in helping Ronaldo reach a historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, with the star still needing around 62 more.

With high-profile names like Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic in the squad, Jesus faces the task of uniting a star-studded team and ending the club's trophy drought since their last league title in 2023. Al-Nassr will begin preparations for the new season with medical tests in Riyadh on July 17, followed by a training camp in Austria starting July 20, as they set their sights on reclaiming domestic and continental glory.