´Without Ronaldo, I wouldn´t be here´ – Jesus makes surprise switch to Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr have appointed Jorge Jesus, who left their Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal in May, as their new head coach on a one-year contract.

Jesus, who led Benfica to three Primeira Liga titles between 2009 and 2015 before taking Flamengo to Copa Libertadores glory in 2019, rejoined Al-Hilal for a second spell in 2023.

He led them to an unbeaten title triumph in 2023-24 but was relieved of his duties late in the 2024-25 campaign, as they finished second to Al-Ittihad.

But Jesus will remain in Riyadh with a rival club, having been named as Stefano Pioli’s successor following the Italian’s dismissal by Al-Nassr last month.

Al-Nassr have failed to win a major trophy since signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023, and Jesus is determined to help the five-time Ballon d’Or winner get his hands on silverware again.

It’s official:
Mr. Jorge Jesus is the new Head Coach of @AlNassrFC

Welcome, Mister! pic.twitter.com/HdLo8PQce6

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 14, 2025

“Without Cristiano Ronaldo, I certainly wouldn’t be here,” Jesus said. “The motivation is high.

“Al-Nassr needs to win titles, just like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has always won everything at the clubs he’s played for.

“He hasn’t won practically anything at this one yet, so I’ll see if I can help him. We speak the same language, so it will be easy.”

Jesus has won 62 of his 80 games as a manager in the Saudi Pro League, with his win ratio of 78% only bettered by another former Al-Hilal boss, Eric Gerets (82%, 23/28) among all coaches with a minimum of 20 games in the competition.