Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Doesn’t Control’ Al Nassr, Club CEO says

Ronaldo’s impact at Al Nassr has been debated, but CEO Guido Fienga has clarified his role. Fienga stressed that Ronaldo is important but does not run the team.

In a surprise move on Wednesday, Al Nassr fired Portuguese coach Luis Castro, who had only one win in three league matches. To replace Castro, the club quickly hired Italian manager Stefano Pioli, signifying a new management plan.

At a club event, Fienga said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and he is the strongest player in the world, not just technically but in terms of his behaviour.” Despite being a key asset, “Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t control the club,” rather instead inspires and guides the team’s goals.

Ronaldo, 39, signed Al Nassr from Manchester United in December 2022. He guided Saudi Pro League to one title—the Arab Club Champions Cup—with 62 goals since then. Ronaldo’s passionate reaction to Al Nassr’s King’s Cup final loss against Al Hilal in May, which finished their season without a trophy, shows his anger despite his prolific goal-scoring.

Fienga highlighted that Ronaldo mentors and instills a winning mindset in the team. “He is a winner and we ask him to teach us how to win,” Fienga said. The CEO’s words show a great desire for success and stability at the club, highlighting that Ronaldo is important but that the club’s vision is larger.

To strengthen their team, Al Nassr spent about $100 million on new players this summer. On stability and consistency, Fienga said, “Step by step we will improve,” and, “We need to work and give stability to the club to produce value, not destroy it every six months.”

Castro’s last game was Al Nassr’s 1-1 tie with Al Shorta in the new Asian Champions League, which Ronaldo missed due to illness. With Pioli at the helm, the club wants to turn things around and reach their season goals.

As Al Nassr adjusts, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Pioli and how the new management will use Ronaldo’s knowledge and leadership to boost the squad.