Zinedine Zidane's name has once again been linked to Saudi Arabian football, a recurring theme given his current absence from coaching. This time, it's Al Nassr, the team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, that is making a serious effort to recruit the legendary former Real Madrid coach and player as they seek to stabilize their rocky season.
Al Nassr has had a difficult start to the season, compounded by a painful defeat to Al Hilal in the Super Cup, which has raised concerns among the club's leadership. The team, built to compete at the highest levels, now finds itself far from its ambitious goals, leading to increasing uncertainty within the organization.
The current coach, Luis Castro, is under significant pressure and the club is reportedly considering a high-profile replacement, with Zidane having emerged as a top candidate.
Unlike previous coaching hires, which prioritized experience in Arab football, Al Nassr is now focusing on finding a coach with a proven track record at the highest levels of the sport to elevate the team's performance.
Ronaldo, who has gained considerable influence within the team's sporting decisions, is said to favor Zidane as the ideal choice for the job. Fernando Hierro, the club's sporting director, also plays a role in the decision-making process, but the final call will rest with the club's presidency.
This isn't the first time a Saudi Arabian football team have approached Zidane. However, the former Real Madrid boss has consistently been drawn to the idea of coaching the French national team, which has often overshadowed other opportunities. Despite multiple offers from Saudi clubs, Zidane has remained focused on the potential of leading France, a position he has long considered as his next major career move.
Zidane's Potential Return to Management
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has a record few can rival in the game, as a player but particularly as manager of Los Blancos, to date is only coaching job. As he approaches three years out of management, another club is set to try and tempt the Frenchman. In recent years Zidane has been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich, but none have come to fruition. For some time it has looked as if he might be the future France manager after Didier Deschamps, but the 2018 World Cup-winner will be in situ until at least the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Ronaldo Factor
According to a report by journalist Eduardo Inda, Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Al-Nassr to hire Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane as their new manager. The pair enjoyed a wonderful working relationship at Los Blancos during the Frenchman's time in charge of the club, winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles together. Despite his impressive feat with the Spanish giants, Zidane is currently without a club and would be a coup for any side. The legendary midfielder led the Madrid-based club to two La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups to be named the best manager in the world twice.
Ronaldo thrived under the French manager, bagging a phenomenal 112 goals and 30 assists in 114 games under him. The 39-year-old striker will be keen to replicate his impressive form under him yet again if they are reunited.
Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to lead Al-Nassr to tangible success despite bagging an impressive return of 61 goals and 16 assists in 67 games. According to a report by Defensa Central, Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Ayermic Laporte. The Spanish defender has emerged as an option to bolster the 15-time UEFA Champions League winner's defense before the window closes.
A Potential Power Shift in Saudi Football?
Zidane's arrival could significantly impact the Saudi Pro League. With Ronaldo already a star attraction, the addition of a manager of Zidane's caliber would elevate Al-Nassr to a new level, potentially challenging the dominance of Al-Hilal. While Al-Nassr has been making strides in recent years, the club has yet to secure the league title. Zidane's coaching experience and tactical prowess could be the missing piece to the puzzle, making Al-Nassr a formidable force in Saudi Arabian football.
The potential move also reflects the growing ambition of Saudi clubs to attract top talent, not just players but also coaches. The Saudi Pro League is becoming increasingly competitive, with clubs investing heavily in attracting top names to elevate the league's profile and make it a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. It remains to be seen if Zidane will ultimately accept the offer. However, the possibility of a Ronaldo-Zidane reunion in Saudi Arabia is a captivating storyline that could have significant implications for the future of Saudi football.
