Cristiano Ronaldo to get Al-Nassr manager sacked

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Mar 2025 16:59 GMT
4 min read

Stefano Pioli is fighting for his future as Al-Nassr head coach, but his 'tense' relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo could doom him, according to a report.

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The Saudi giants are in the midst of a strange season. Although they comfortably cruised into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League with a 3-0 win over Iranian heavyweights Esteghlal, they only find themselves third in the Saudi Pro League.

STATS

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

33

Games
28

Goals
4

Assists

Unless the Riyadh outfit can claim international glory, this season will likely end in disappointment once more. Since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in the winter of 2022/23, Al-Nassr have been anything but successful.

They have so far only managed to achieve two runners-up finishes and the chances of winning the league this season look slim indeed. City rivals Al-Hilal stormed to the title last term as part of a stunning invincible campaign, but they have significantly dropped off this time around.

However, rather than Al-Nassr, it has actually been Al-Ittihad who have taken advantage of Al-Hilal's weakness, with the Jeddah side currently four points clear of Al-Hilal and ten clear of Al-Nassr.

Pioli faces the sack

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Al-Nassr boss Stefano Pioli is increasingly on metaphorical thin ice in Riyadh. He claims Pioli is growing ever more unpopular within the squad.

Results have been hugely underwhelming and there is said to be 'tension' between the former Milan manager and his Al-Nassr players, including Ronaldo.

😡Cristiano Ronaldo was NOT happy about being substituted.pic.twitter.com/6QFVQeLWVo
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) March 15, 2025

The Portuguese megastar was seen fuming with Pioli after being substituted in a clash with Al-Kholood ahead of the international break, and there is a sense of exasperation among the players with the Italian's coaching.

At this point, it is unclear if Pioli will see out the season. His potential availability is said to have attracted the attention of Roma, who will have to replace Claudio Ranieri this summer. Should Pioli get sacked by Al-Nassr, he would be considered one of the favourites for the Roma job.