Al-Nassr have parted ways with head coach Luis Castro, marking the third managerial change since Cristiano Ronaldo‘s arrival in December 2022.
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach took the reins in July 2023 but failed to secure major silverware, including a second-place finish to Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in July.
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte, and former Liverpool Star Sadio Mane, Al-Nassr underperformed under Castro.
This season, the team made a sluggish start to the Saudi Pro League, securing only one win in three matches.
The final straw came after Al-Nassr drew two of their opening three league games, followed by a 1-1 stalemate against Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, September 16.
This underwhelming performance prompted the club to terminate Castro’s contract.
A club statement on X read: ”Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the club.”
”Everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months, wishing them the best of luck for the future.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Emotional Farewell to Luis Castro
Cristiano Ronaldo has paid a heartfelt tribute to departed Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro, following the Portuguese coach’s dismissal.
Ronaldo took to Instagram to express his gratitude, posting a photo of himself with Castro alongside a poignant message: “Thank you for everything.”
Al-Nassr Previous Managers
Rudi Garcia was the first manager to depart after Ronaldo’s arrival, leaving Al-Nassr in April 2023. Dinko Jelicic took over as interim manager before Castro’s appointment.
New Manager on the Horizon
Cristiano Ronaldo’s club now seeks a new manager to revitalize their season. The search is on for Castro’s replacement, with the club aiming to bounce back from this disappointing start.
Fabrizio Romano claims his replacement has already been identified with a ‘deal on the verge of being completed for Stefano Pioli to become the new head coach.’
Reports suggest former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli is the top candidate to succeed Castro. Pioli led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2020-21 and has managed several prominent Italian clubs, including Bologna, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina.
However, Milan opted to part ways with Pioli after a season without any trophies in 2023/24.
Paulo Fonseca was appointed as his successor, which left Pioli without a job. He may have the opportunity to manage the legendary Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
The five time Ballon d’Or holder missed Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al-Shorta on Monday due to a viral infection.
His team currently sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League table with five points from three games.
Timeline of Al-Nassr Managers since Cristiano Ronaldo’s Arrival
Rudi Garcia (December 2022 – April 2023)
Dinko Jelicic (interim, April 2023)
Luis Castro (July 2023 – September 2024)
What’s next?
Al-Nassr will face Al-Ettifaq on Friday night, and it remains to be seen if Pioli will take charge in time for the match.
What are your thoughts on Luis Castro becoming the 3rd coach to be sacked by Al Nassr since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia? We would love to hear your opinion in the comments section below.
