Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Stefano Pioli's exit from Al-Nassr

The Italian manager failed to lead the Saudi club to a title during his stay.

Stefano Pioli resigned as manager of Al-Nassr ahead of his rumoured return to Serie A with Fiorentina. Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the exit of the Italian manager after posting a story on his Instagram account with a caption ”Grazie per tutto” (thank you for everything).

The Italian head coach was named the Saudi club manager just last season. He failed to win the Saudi Pro League title.

After a lacklustre season, Pioli took over as Al-Nassr’s manager in September of last year, succeeding Luis Castro. After a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League and defeats in the King’s Cup and AFC Champions League, the former AC Milan manager did not take home any silverware during the 2024–25 season.

After his time in the Middle East, Pioli is anticipated to return to Italy, where he will be awaiting his Fiorentina position. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr have to hire a new manager. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s former teammate Sergio Conceicao, who is now a coach, has been linked to a transfer to Al-Awwal Park.

A statement from Al-Nassr read:

“Al Nassr Club Company informs that Mr Pioli and his Staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team. We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season.”

Despite having Cristiano Ronaldo and other well-known players like Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran, Pioli and the club decided to part ways after the 2024–2025 season ended without any trophies.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes his feelings clear after Pioli’s exit

Al-Nassr failed to win the AFC Champions League and the King’s Cup, and they were only able to place third in the league. After the coach’s exit, the 40-year-old Ronaldo has since shown respect to Pioli via social media in a way of his own.

It is generally anticipated that Sergio Conceicao, who formerly played with Ronaldo on the international front, will take over.

Before arriving at Olhanense in 2012, the 50-year-old began his management career as an assistant at Standard Liege. Conceicao was in charge of AC Milan and FC Porto in recent years.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.