Turmoil Looms: Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Faces Uphill Battle Amidst Club Chaos

Al Nassr’s Rocky Road Ahead: Pre-Season Delays Spark Concern

Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Nassr, home to global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly facing significant internal turmoil, jeopardizing their upcoming 2025-2026 season. According to a recent analysis by the Saudi publication Al Watan, the club’s delayed pre-season preparations are a clear indicator of underlying instability, suggesting a challenging path ahead for Ronaldo and his teammates.

The Al Watan report, published on June 25th, explicitly states, “Al Nassr is no longer in its best shape. Cristiano Ronaldo’s new journey will be fraught with challenges and difficulties.” This stark assessment highlights growing concerns within the Saudi football landscape regarding Al Nassr’s operational efficiency and readiness for the competitive new season.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round and Leadership Vacuum

The club’s recent actions underscore the reported chaos. Despite concluding their 2024-2025 season in late May, Al Nassr only officially dismissed head coach Stefano Pioli yesterday. This significant delay means the incoming coach, who remains unnamed, will have less than two months to undertake a monumental task: reviewing the current squad, securing new signings, and establishing a cohesive playing style before the season kicks off. This tight timeline presents a formidable hurdle for any new manager hoping to make an immediate impact.

Executive Shake-Ups Add to Instability

Beyond the coaching conundrum, Al Nassr is grappling with a leadership vacuum at the executive level. CEO Majed Al-Jamaan was reportedly fired just months into his appointment, subsequently suing the club and exposing deep-seated internal disagreements. This public dispute further highlights the fractured environment within the club’s upper echelons.

Adding to the pressure, Sporting Director Fernando Hierro, a Real Madrid legend who joined Al Nassr in June 2024, is also under scrutiny. Hierro’s tenure has so far failed to make a significant managerial mark, notably overseeing the early replacement of former coach Luis Castro and the subsequent unsuccessful appointment of Pioli.

Ronaldo’s Individual Brilliance Amidst Club Struggles

Despite the turbulent club situation, the one glimmer of positivity for Al Nassr appears to be the impending contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo. Both parties are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations, with the Portuguese icon expected to sign for an additional one or two years. This would undoubtedly be a boost for the club, securing the future of their talismanic forward.

However, individual success has not translated into team silverware for Ronaldo since his arrival in January 2023. Al Nassr was eliminated in the AFC Champions League semifinals last season and finished third in the Saudi Pro League, only securing a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Two (Asia’s second-tier club competition).

Ronaldo’s Unmatched Personal Records

In stark contrast to the club’s struggles, Ronaldo’s personal achievements continue to soar. The 40-year-old forward has netted an impressive 99 goals in 111 appearances for the Saudi club, clinching two Saudi Pro League Golden Boot awards. Ronaldo also maintains his astounding record of 938 career goals, a remarkable 72 more than his long-time rival Lionel Messi.

As Al Nassr navigates its internal challenges, their rivals, particularly Al Hilal, are moving decisively. Al Hilal has already replaced former coach Jorge Jesus with Simone Inzaghi, who is reportedly making a strong impression in the Club World Cup group stages. This proactive approach by their rivals further emphasizes the urgency for Al Nassr to address its issues and prepare for the demanding season ahead.