Dreams on the Sidelines: Jesus’s Flamengo Wish Haunts Al Nassr’s Rise
4 October 2025
Jorge Jesus: Flamengo Dreams Meet a Saudi Rise
Flamengo president Kleber Leite revealed that Jorge Jesus was close to returning to Flamengo in 2021, but the coach asked for time to think, leading the club to hire Paulo Sousa instead.
Jesus, the Portuguese coach, still harbors a Flamengo reunion in his future, even as he currently steers Al Nassr toward domestic and continental glory.
His coaching journey began in Portugal after hanging up his boots in the mid-1980s, starting with smaller clubs like Amadora and Vila Velha (Amadora/Vilagueiras), before his breakout at Benfica from 2009 to 2015. There he won three league titles, reached two European finals, and built a reputation for an attacking, attractive style. He later moved to Sporting CP, then ventured to the Gulf, including two successful spells with Al Hilal, collecting league titles, domestic cups, and a growing trophy cabinet.
The Flamengo stint remains a highlight of his career: four major trophies including the Brasileirão and the 2019 Copa Libertadores, with a 62-match ledger of 46 wins, 9 draws and 7 losses under his command.
Latest chapters have seen Jesus join Al Nassr at the explicit request of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. With hefty signings in the summer window, the club appears primed to challenge for silverware and resume its ascent to the summit of Saudi and Asian football.
The season began with a Saudi Super Cup semi-final win over Al Ittihad, but the final ended in a defeat on penalties. In the league, Al Nassr started strongly, sitting top with 12 points from four matches, scoring 25 goals and conceding only one, with notable wins over Al Ta’awon, Al Khaleej, and Al Riyadh, plus a Clasico victory that helped precipitate Laurent Blanc’s departure.
In Asia, Al Nassr opened the AFC Champions League campaign with a 5-0 thumping of Istiklol Dushanbe and followed up with a 2-0 win over Al Zawraa, signaling serious continental intent. In the King’s Cup, they opened with a 4-0 victory over Jeddah as they chase more silverware.
Statistically, Jesus has sharpened the team. In his first nine games, they have conceded just four goals—less than 0.5 per match, a striking contrast to earlier gigs where 6–7 goals in ten games were more common.
Upcoming fixtures include Al Fateh on October 18 in the league, a continental clash with Goa FC on October 22, and Al Hazm on October 25, as the club pursues a sustained run of momentum under the veteran Portuguese tactician.
A quick career snapshot: Jesus, born in 1954 in Portugal, spent his playing days as a midfielder before moving into coaching with smaller clubs after retiring mid-career. His break came with Benfica in 2009, followed by notable spells at Sporting CP and Flamengo, then a return to the Gulf and a notable stint with Al Nassr. Today, he is known for strict tactical discipline and the ability to build attacking, balanced teams across leagues and continents.
Punchline time: If his playbook were a sniper rifle, every shot would be accurate—and the defense wouldn’t see it coming until the whistle blows. Another one: watching his teams is like reading an action novel where every chapter ends with a counter-attack—fast, precise, and somehow a little dangerous for the goalmouths.
