Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club, Al Nassr, has announced the departure of Portuguese coach Luis Castro following a 1-1 draw against Iraq’s Al Shorta in their AFC Champions League opener. The disappointing result added to the club’s sluggish start to the domestic season, with Ronaldo’s contract set to expire next summer.
In a statement, Al Nassr expressed gratitude for Castro’s 14 months at the helm, saying, “Everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work… wishing them the best of luck for the future.” Castro, 63, became the third coach to leave the club since Ronaldo’s high-profile arrival in early 2023.
Despite the presence of Ronaldo, who signed a lucrative deal said to be worth €400 million over two-and-a-half years, Al Nassr has yet to win a major Saudi trophy, with their only triumph being last year’s Arab Club Champions Cup. The club has drawn twice in three matches this season, struggling to build momentum.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has sparked a wave of high-profile signings, with stars like Neymar and Karim Benzema also joining the Saudi Pro League.
