Al Nassr’s recent announcement of Luís Castro’s departure from the club has sent ripples through the football community, particularly among fans who’ve been following Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey in Saudi Arabia. After just over a year in charge, the Portuguese coach has left the Riyadh-based club, and Al Nassr are now in the hunt for a replacement to guide their star-studded squad, which includes players like Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and of course, Ronaldo.
So, what happened, and what’s next for Ronaldo and Al Nassr?
A disappointing start to the season
Luís Castro’s exit from Al Nassr comes after a lacklustre start to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League campaign. With only one win in their first three games, the club currently sits seventh in the standings – hardly where fans expected them to be, given the talent on the team.
Things seemingly came to a head in the wake of Al Nassr’s 1-1 draw with Iraq’s Al Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite opener. A draw against lowly opposition was a disappointing result for a team with ambitions of continental success, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo missing from the lineup due to illness. Ronaldo’s absence no doubt left a gap, but for the fans, the result was another sign that things weren’t going in the right direction under Castro.
Many fans and bettors were also left disappointed as Al Nassr, the clear favourites with average odds of 1/2 (66.70% win probability), only managed a draw against Al Shorta. Also, many bookmakers from the list on the ArabicBet website took bets on Ronaldo scoring in this match, but his illness confused all predictions. Those who placed their faith – and money – on a comfortable Al Nassr victory were likely frustrated by the unexpected result.
Castro’s mixed record at Al Nassr
Luís Castro took over the vacant position from Rudi Garcia in July 2023, who was unable to secure the league title despite Ronaldo’s mid-season arrival. Castro initially seemed to be the perfect man for the job. Under his control, Al Nassr won the Arab Club Champions Cup, a prestigious competition, beating rivals Al Hilal 2-1 in the final. For a brief moment, it looked like the future was bright.
However, Castro’s time at Al Nassr will ultimately be remembered for inconsistency. While his 14-month tenure saw the team rack up 36 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses in 54 matches, they still came up short in key moments. The club finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season, a full 14 points behind Al Hilal, and lost the Saudi Super Cup final.
Despite these struggles, Castro will leave Al Nassr with a fair amount of respect. After all, he did add a trophy to Ronaldo’s collection, and managing a team full of stars isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Even Ronaldo himself took to Instagram to express his gratitude, saying, “Obrigado por tudo, Mister. Thank you for everything.”
Pioli in: the start of a new chapter?
If rumours are to be believed, Al Nassr is wasting no time finding a replacement. Reports suggest that the club is on the verge of appointing Stefano Pioli, the former AC Milan manager, who led the Italian side to a Serie A title in 2022. Pioli would bring a wealth of experience to the table, having managed some of Europe’s top clubs, including Lazio, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina.
For Al Nassr, Pioli’s appointment could be exactly what they need. The Italian tactician is known for his ability to build cohesive teams, and his track record in European football is impressive. With Al Nassr eager to return to winning ways and secure their first league title since 2018-19, Pioli could be the man to get them over the line.
What about Ronaldo?
Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for Cristiano Ronaldo? At 39, Ronaldo is still performing at an incredibly high level, having scored 62 goals and provided 17 assists in 69 appearances for Al Nassr. Despite his age, CR7 continues to lead by example on the pitch, and his influence on the team remains immense.
Ronaldo has worked under several Italian managers throughout his career, most notably Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, with whom he enjoyed great success. If Pioli does indeed take the job, the Portuguese forward will be familiar with his methods, and it could be a partnership that flourishes in Saudi Arabia.
What’s next for Al Nassr?
For Al Nassr, the next few weeks will be crucial. Pioli – or whoever takes over – will have to hit the ground running, especially with big games on the horizon, including a tough fixture against Al-Ettifaq. Fans will be hoping the new coach can reignite the team’s stuttering campaign and restore their hopes of claiming the Saudi Pro League title.
With Ronaldo leading the charge and stars like Mané and Laporte in support, Al Nassr has all the tools to succeed. But as we’ve seen, having world-class players doesn’t always guarantee silverware. It takes the right coach to bring it all together.
The club’s popularity, especially among Arab bettors, has made them a frequent favourite in local and international wagering markets. Many bettors see Al Nassr as a reliable choice, given their star power and high-profile matches. However, recent results have shown that even the most favoured teams can falter, leaving those who consistently back Al Nassr, including in the recent AFC Champions League game, to reflect on the unpredictable nature of football. For now, Al Nassr fans and bettors alike will be hoping their club has finally found the right man to guide them to the top. As for Luís Castro, his time in Saudi Arabia may not have gone exactly as planned, but he left with his head held high, knowing he had done his best for one of the biggest clubs in the country.
Final thoughts
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a manager, especially one with the pedigree of Luís Castro. But football is a results-driven game, and Al Nassr’s slow start to the season left the club with little choice. With Pioli potentially on the way in, a new chapter is beginning for the Riyadh-based club. And with Ronaldo still hungry for success, Al Nassr’s fans and Arab bettors can dare to dream once again.
