Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr drama: Reported rift with Christian Pulisic’s ex-Milan coach Stefano Pioli to signal another coaching shake-up?
Cristiano Ronaldo could soon find himself working under yet another manager at Al-Nassr, as speculation mounts regarding the future of current head coach Stefano Pioli. The former Milan boss, who coached Christian Pulisic in his debut season at San Siro, took charge of Al-Nassr last September. However, he now faces an uncertain end to the season, with reports of growing tensions between him and Ronaldo, coupled with persistent links to a high-profile return to Serie A.
Pioli‘s tenure in the Saudi Pro League began with hope but is now marred by internal friction and underwhelming results. According to Calciomercato, there is “growing tension between the coach and Al-Nassr’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly after Pioli took Ronaldo off prematurely during a recent 3-1 win over Al Kholood.” The early substitution reportedly did not sit well with the Portuguese icon and further strained an already complicated relationship.
The Italian boss, who currently earns $13 million per season under his existing deal, has managed 21 wins, six draws, and six losses in all competitions. While these numbers are respectable, they have not been enough to close the gap on runaway leaders Al-Ittihad, with Al-Nassr trailing by 10 points and looking increasingly unlikely to lift the Saudi Pro League title. Worse yet, whispers of dressing room unrest and Ronaldo’s apparent dissatisfaction have only intensified the pressure on the 59-year-old Italian.
Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari also shed light on the situation, reporting that “Pioli’s time at Al-Nassr has now reached a critical point and that isn’t just because of the club’s results. He has poor relationships with the players and that includes Ronaldo.”
Pioli’s contract break clause looms large
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the reported existence of a break clause in the 59-year-old’s contract, which could be activated this June. If triggered, Pioli would be free to negotiate with other clubs before the start of the 2025-26 season, a scenario that looks increasingly likely given the current climate.
“If this happens, he would be free to leave and negotiate with any club ahead of the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign,” wrote Calciomercato. And with Roma openly searching for a new coach, Pioli’s name is firmly in the mix.
Ronaldo’s coaching carousel
If Pioli were to leave this summer, it would mark Ronaldo’s fourth managerial change since moving to Riyadh in January 2023. The Portuguese legend was first welcomed by Rudi Garcia, who was soon dismissed after internal conflicts and poor performances. Dinko Jelicic then took temporary charge before the appointment of Luis Castro, who lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup but struggled to maintain momentum in the league.
The Italian’s arrival in September 2024 was meant to stabilize the project, with a contract extending until 2027. However, less than a year into his tenure, the combination of mixed results and tension with CR7 could now cut his time short.