Ronaldo’s Promise Traps a Coach: Jorge Jesus Stays Loyal to Al-Nassr Amid World Cup 2026 Rumors
16 October 2025
Jesus commits to Al-Nassr and Ronaldo’s trust
The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Nassr, reiterated that he will not lead the Saudi national team in the near term, honoring a promise made to his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, the club captain.
He spoke at a press conference on Thursday ahead of the clash with Al-Fath, set for Saturday at Al-Nasr’s home ground, the First Park, in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
Jesus on Renard succession and World Cup chatter
During the press conference, the Portuguese coach was asked about whispers linking him to the Saudi national team for the 2026 World Cup. He replied, “I respect Al-Nassr, and I promised Ronaldo and Jose Samido, the CEO, to deliver wins. I have a big project with them, so I will stay.”
He recalled a prior offer from the Brazilian national team when he was in charge of Al-Hilal, which he declined due to contractual commitments. “I will continue my project with Al-Nassr to make the fans happy and bring the club back to the podium.”
Jesus also noted a Brazilian federation offer in April to lead the Seleção ahead of the 2026 World Cup, before Carlo Ancelotti was ultimately chosen.
Renard’s position
Jesus’s remarks come as debate swirls around French coach Herve Renard’s future with the Saudi team for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Some argue Renard should continue, while others advocate a different appointment following a narrow World Cup qualification via playoff.
Yasser Al-Mishal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, asserted that Renard will remain in charge through the World Cup 2026 and the Asian Cup 2027. “Renard is a very capable coach who knows how to work with Saudi players,” he said, adding that the team needs more support and tools to compete with the world’s best.
He also reminded that failing to qualify directly for the World Cup is not uncommon among big nations; Croatia and Argentina both advanced via playoffs in different eras, a reminder that resilience matters more than dramatic changes mid-cycle.
JESUS AND THE FATH TEST
On the Fath match, Jesus warned that no game in football is easy, especially after an international break. “We know Fath won’t be easy, and we will prepare well and aim to collect all three points,” he said. Al-Nassr currently sit top of the table with 12 points from four straight wins, scoring 14 goals while conceding only one.
International duties and a crowded schedule
Jesus also spoke about how his players’ recent international duties affected the squad’s readiness. He said the experience gained by his international players added value and that the return of Saudi and foreign players would bring greater tactical flexibility during a heavy October schedule.
The coach highlighted the month’s busy calendar, noting the team will travel to India to face Goa on October 22 in the continental round, then host Al-Hazm on October 25 in the Roshn Saudi Pro League’s sixth round, before meeting Al-Ittihad in the King Cup Round of 16 three days later. The month will conclude with a clash against Al-Fayha 48 hours after the Derby against Al-Ittihad.
In short, Jesus stressed continued commitment to his project at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s trust, and the team’s bid for trophies as the season heats up.
