Welcome Mr. Jorge Jesus!, Cristiano Ronaldo's warm gesture to new Al Nassr coach

Without Ronaldo's invitation, I certainly wouldn't be there, Jesus says

Last updated: July 15, 2025 | 13:32

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

Jorge Jesus has managed top sides including Benfica and Sporting CP in Portugal, and Flamengo in Brazil.

IANS

Dubai: Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, succeeding Stefano Pioli at the helm.

Jesus revealed that the club’s star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, played a key role in bringing him to Riyadh.

“Without his invitation, I certainly wouldn't be here,” the 70-year-old said. “The motivation is high. I’ll do my best to help Al Nassr—one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs—win titles. Cristiano has won everywhere he’s played, except here. I’ll try to help change that.”

Ronaldo responded to this appointment. On his personal social media page, he wrote: "Welcome, Mr. Jorge Jesus!"

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo set to earn $645,000 a day? Star footballer signs new contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr

Jesus joins Al Nassr after a successful two-season spell with league rivals Al Hilal SFC—his second stint with the club. He left following their semi-final exit in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite but not before delivering a historic treble in the 2023/24 season, which included the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup.

Throughout his career, Jesus has managed top sides including Benfica and Sporting CP in Portugal, and Flamengo in Brazil.

At Al Nassr, he reunites with Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract with the club until 2027. Since his move in late 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United, Ronaldo has scored an impressive 93 goals in 105 appearances. His arrival in Saudi Arabia marked a turning point for the Saudi Pro League, ushering in a wave of international stars and increasing the league’s global profile.

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Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.