Frustrated After a Trophyless Season? 40-Year-Old Cristiano Ronaldo Pressures Al-Nassr: Demands Exit of Four Foreign Players & Sacking of Pioli for Contract Renewal

According to Saudi outlet Okaz on May 10, after another disappointing season, 40-year-old Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pushing for a major overhaul at Al-Nassr, tying his contract extension until 2027 to sweeping changes in the club's technical and management teams.

Ronaldo has allegedly recommended the departure of several underperforming foreign players, including Spanish international center-back Aymeric Laporte, Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, defender Angelo, and forward Wesley. He wants to retain attacking talents like Sadio Mané, Talisca, Otávio, and Marcelo Brozović, along with French defender Mohamed Simakan.

Ronaldo is also reportedly unhappy with the performances of local Saudi players and has urged the club to sell or not renew contracts with those he deems inefficient.

Additionally, he is dissatisfied with current head coach Stefano Pioli, whom he considers incapable of leading Al-Nassr to challenge rivals such as Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal for titles. Ronaldo reportedly prefers a world-class manager with whom he’s had past success—such as Carlo Ancelotti.

Furthermore, Ronaldo has demanded the formation of a European coaching team and the hiring of a professional sporting director, overseen by an independent technical committee. Saudi media estimate that fulfilling Ronaldo’s demands would cost Al-Nassr at least 300 million riyals (approx. 384 million yuan).

This season, Al-Nassr have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and the AFC Champions League. In the league, they trail leaders Al-Ittihad by 11 points with just four matches remaining, making a title win nearly impossible. Since joining in January 2023, Ronaldo has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup—a title not recognized by FIFA.