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June 28, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just extend his playing career at Al Nassr — he extended his influence. In 2025, the Portuguese superstar became more than a player. With close allies taking charge behind the scenes, it’s clear that Ronaldo now has one hand on the steering wheel at the Saudi club.
Ronaldo's latest contract extension with Al Nassr goes far beyond salary figures or playing years. It marks a significant shift in power within the Saudi club — one that puts Ronaldo at the center of not just the attack, but the institution itself. With longtime friends José Semedo and Simão Coutinho now appointed to key sporting director roles, Ronaldo’s circle is embedded in Al Nassr’s leadership. From future transfers to managerial decisions, nothing moves without his input. This isn’t just a player renewal — it’s the clearest sign yet that Ronaldo is shaping the club’s identity from the inside out. And for those looking for special rewards in an online casino, you can always look for Casinoways sister site and find the best offers to your needs.
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo - The story continues
When Ronaldo signed his new deal with Al Nassr through 2027, headlines focused on numbers: a €200M annual salary, private jet perks, and ownership shares. But the real story is less about money and more about muscle — Ronaldo's growing pull inside the club.
According to AS, his renewal directly preceded the exit of Fernando Hierro, who had served as Al Nassr’s sporting director. That wasn't a coincidence — it was a signal.
Not long after Hierro’s departure, Al Nassr confirmed the appointment of José Semedo — a close personal friend of Ronaldo — as the club’s new technical director. The two go back decades, having grown up together at Sporting CP’s academy. Semedo isn’t just a symbolic hire; he’s reportedly tasked with player recruitment and summer transfer planning.
Portuguese outlet "O Jogo" reported that Semedo's influence will extend to reshaping the squad — effectively giving Ronaldo a voice in signings and departures through someone he trusts implicitly.
Semedo wasn’t the only Portuguese reinforcement. Just days later, Simão Coutinho, a former agent and trusted Ronaldo associate, was named sporting director at Al Nassr. The move strengthens the internal core surrounding Ronaldo, essentially giving him two allies in top football decision-making roles.
With both Semedo and Coutinho in key positions, the structure of the club now mirrors something closer to a Ronaldo-aligned project. Instead of being just a face on the pitch, he's shaping the sporting strategy off it.
With Pioli out of the picture following a trophyless season, the next big decision will be appointing a new manager. Many inside the Saudi Pro League believe that whoever comes in next will be Ronaldo’s pick — or at least someone who shares his football vision.
As Al Nassr prepares to move on from Stefano Pioli, the next manager’s identity will reveal just how deep Ronaldo’s influence runs. Three names top the shortlist: Sérgio Conceição, Jorge Jesus, and Luciano Spalletti.
| MANAGER | PROFILE | RONALDO CONNECTION |
|---|---|---|
| Sergio Conceicão | - Former Porto coach, decorated in Europe - Ex-teammate of Ronaldo at Portugal |
Trusted past bond; chosen by senior players before |
| Luciano Spalletti | - Former Italy national coach; quick-to-market following Italy exit - Strong tactical acumen |
No personal history with Ronaldo, but widely reported interest |
| Jorge Jesus | - Successful stint with rivals Al Hilal (multiple SPL titles) - Top local pedigree |
Portuguese compatriot; leading candidate in local media |
Conceição stands out. A former Portugal teammate of Ronaldo’s, he’s a seasoned winner — multiple league titles at Porto and a stint with AC Milan — and is now the frontrunner, with sources noting that an Al Nassr bid of €54 M was on the table. Jorge Jesus also looms large, fresh off an impressive tenure at Al Hilal, where he clinched multiple trophies and shattered the club’s 34-match win streak. His Portuguese roots and track record in Saudi make him a fitting option. Meanwhile, Spalletti, recently unemployed after Italy’s exit, offers tactical acumen but lacks a direct Ronaldo connection news.
With Semedo and Coutinho now calling the shots off the pitch, Ronaldo’s preferences will carry weight — making Conceição or Jesus likely picks for a manager sharing his vision and cultural rapport.
There’s growing talk that Ronaldo is shaping the kind of team he wants to leave behind. Not just for his own success on the field, but to help Al Nassr evolve into a bigger global brand. With his inner circle now running sporting operations, he could play a key role in bringing in European talent, restructuring the youth academy, and even making media decisions.
Al Nassr’s recent moves to boost visibility in Portugal and Western Europe also hint at a Ronaldo-led branding strategy that goes far beyond Saudi borders.
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo may be entering the twilight of his playing career, but his power at Al Nassr has never burned brighter. He now holds influence over recruitment, staffing, and club culture — roles usually reserved for executives and owners.
If Al Nassr win silverware in 2025–26, it won’t just be Ronaldo the goal scorer that deserves praise — it’ll be Ronaldo the architect.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on September 21, against Jeddah Club, for the King's Cup. You can watch Jeddah vs Al Nassr, Real Madrid vs Juventus, Palmeiras vs Botafogo, PSG vs Inter Milan, Benfica vs Chelsea and Flamengo vs Bayen Munich, all matches provided from our live football game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Jeddah Club vs Al Nassr kick-off time (21-09-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 22:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 17:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 13:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / nypost.com / abola.pt
