Saudi Sparks and a Few Misprints: Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo, and the Al-Nassr Odyssey
9 October 2025
The Hardest Job in His Career
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, now in charge of Al-Nassr, says leading the Saudi powerhouse is the most difficult task of his football career, while praising his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo as the team captain.
He took charge at the start of this season, replacing Italian Stefano Pioli after a brief spell with arch rival Al-Hilal, amid mixed results the season before despite strong showings the year prior.
In an interview carried by the Portuguese newspaper A Bola today, Jesus said it is the hardest task, noting that the people who invited him were CEO Jose Simoedo and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He explained that the difficulty stems from Al-Nassr not having won a title for about seven years, while the three big clubs in the country possess greater quality and more standout players; the gap to leaders Al-Ittihad stood at 17 points last season.
He added that he accepted the invitation to be a hero and that he did not go there merely to chase trophies; wherever he coaches, the priority is to win.
Interestingly Jesus made two inaccuracies; the last Al-Nassr title was about four and a half years ago, not seven, when they won the Saudi Super Cup in January 2021.
Additionally, Al-Nassr finished last season 13 points behind the league leaders Al-Ittihad, not 17 as he stated.
The coach then shifted to the strength of the Saudi league, defending it as among the world’s biggest, saying it deserves more recognition for its top players, coaches, and stunning stadiums.
He recalled his memories of triumph with Al-Hilal two seasons earlier, when he went 34 matches unbeaten without a defeat.
Ronaldo, he noted, is a star who really revealed himself once Jesus took over, explaining that you only truly know him when you work with him. He described Ronaldo as 40 years old but still among the fastest players in the squad, exceptionally fit and incredibly intelligent, with a deep understanding of his body and energy management.
Jesus emphasized Ronaldo’s leadership and his ability to perform under intense training, adding that the Portuguese icon is aware of his limits and always pushes himself to the edge of his capacity.
He also acknowledged the difficulty Ronaldo faces in chasing his 1000th goal milestone this season, suggesting the remaining 54 goals will take time, and that he will likely continue playing for another year or so.
On a reflective note, Jesus spoke of Benfica memories, noting two spells at the Portuguese club that yielded significant success and helped open doors abroad. He recalled reaching a peak there in 2009-2010, winning the league, and the sense that Benfica was more than just a team, it was a soaring phenomenon.
He concluded that he has evolved as a coach: whereas five years ago he was more aggressive, he now considers himself a more forgiving, substantially better manager, aware of the personal growth he has undergone.
Punchline time: If misquotes were trophies, Jesus would already be lifting a hall full of imaginary cups. Punchline 2: Ronaldo at 40 may be the fastest thing in the squad, which makes the rest of us wonder if the calendar needs a red card."
