Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Deal Takes Unexpected Turn: Inside the Shocking Financial Move No One Saw Coming
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr as their dream of conquering the Asian Champions League comes crashing down after a 3-2 heartbreaker against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. This wasn’t just any loss—it was a lost chance at a trophy that has so far eluded Ronaldo in his glittering career. Since CR7’s much-hyped arrival, the club has struggled to clinch any official silverware, aside from that disputed Arab Club Champions Cup, which FIFA doesn’t officially recognize. The sting of this elimination is deeper than just missing a title; it’s reshaping the mood around the squad and raising serious questions about the club’s future direction.
Things get even murkier with Alhazza Mutab, a well-respected voice within Saudi sports media, revealing that Stefano Pioli won’t be next season’s coach. Reports from @TheNassrZone suggest the Italian’s stint was marred by discord with players—though details remain vague, it’s clear the locker room wasn’t at peace. Pioli’s tenure, while marked by a respectable 69% win ratio, couldn’t escape key losses in crucial moments, making his departure inevitable as the club looks to regroup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s looming contract renewal and potential stake in the club add another twist to this unfolding saga, promising high drama both on and off the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr missed a huge opportunity to play for the Asian Champions League title. The 3-2 defeat against Kawasaki Frontale of Japan dashed their hopes of winning a trophy that Ronaldo has never conquered. This elimination will likely have consequences within a team that has yet to win an official trophy since CR7’s arrival, with the exception of the Arab Club Champions Cup, which is not recognized by FIFA.
Alhazza Mutab, a sports journalist for the Saudi Sport newspaper and a member of the Saudi Federation of Sports Media, announced that coach Stefano Pioli will not continue to lead the team next season. This news was echoed on the X (formerly Twitter) account @TheNassrZone, dedicated to Al Nassr news. They also point out that the Italian coach “caused problems” for many players on the squad, although they did not specify the nature of the issues between the coach and his players.
Pioli’s short tenure
Pioli, 59, arrived at Al Nassr last September to succeed Portuguese coach Luís Castro. He came from Milan, where he managed from 2019 to 2024, winning the 2021/22 Serie A title. However, he did not replicate this success in his first experience outside of Italy. He has a record of 25 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses in 39 matches.
Despite a 69% winning record, key defeats defined his cycle. After a good start and eight games unbeaten, this run came to an end with an elimination against Al Taawoun in the round of 16 of the King’s Cup of Champions. Pioli also lost both league matches against Al Qadsiah, a newly promoted team, and was knocked out of the Asian Champions League against a debutant in the semi-final stage. His team is also eight points behind Al Ittihad, the leader of the Saudi Pro League, whom they will face on Wednesday in a crucial match with five games remaining.
Pioli’s contract and Ronaldo’s future
The news surrounding Stefano Pioli’s future, which could lead to the interruption of his contract that, according to Transfermarkt, extends until June 30, 2027, comes amid the likely multi-million dollar renewal of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.
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According to the portal 365scores, the 40-year-old forward would receive an annual salary of 183 million euros. He is reportedly in talks to acquire 5% of Al Nassr’s shares and would have total freedom in signings, with one target in sight: Casemiro, his former teammate from his golden era at Real Madrid, who scored a goal in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club of Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals.
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