Cristiano’s clean-up continues

The overhaul Cristiano Ronaldo demanded from the ground up at Al-Nassr is in full swing. After a trophyless season, the Saudi club has started making moves—first with the sporting director’s exit, and now with the departure of Italian coach Stefano Pioli, who leaves his role to return to Fiorentina. The coach’s exit is part of the complete restructuring CR7 is pushing for before renewing his contract with Al-Nassr, as he aims to be surrounded by a truly competitive project.

"Thanks for everything": Ronaldo’s message to Pioli

The Portuguese star didn’t stay silent following Pioli’s departure. Shortly after the club made the news official, Ronaldo took to social media with a brief but clear message in his native language: “Grazie per tutto” (Thanks for everything).

Short, but powerful. Under Pioli’s leadership, Cristiano scored 31 goals in 36 matches, delivering one of his most prolific seasons in recent years—though ultimately falling short of any silverware, which is precisely what led to Pioli’s exit.

Who’s next in line?

Al-Nassr now finds itself without a manager just weeks before a new season kicks off, and under pressure to rebuild the team around its biggest star. Potential candidates include Sergio Conceição and Luciano Spalletti, though for now it’s all speculation.

What is clear is that every major decision in Riyadh seems to carry Ronaldo’s signature. The Comandante is determined not to leave his mission unfinished in Saudi Arabia and will do whatever it takes to finally lift a trophy next season.