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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Tears: A Season to Forget!

    Trophy-less with an Uncertain Future

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Tears: A Season to Forget!

    Despite high expectations for a season where Al-Nassr was supposed to reclaim its domestic and Asian glory, the campaign ended as one to forget.

    Cristiano Ronaldo's Tears: A Season to Forget!

    According to “Varzesh3,” Al-Nassr started the current season with strong determination to change their fortunes, embarking on an ambitious technical project by signing high-quality players in key positions. One of the standout signings was Colombian striker Jhon Durán, who joined to strengthen the attack after technical evaluations confirmed the team’s need for a decisive forward.

    However, what seemed like a powerful project on paper did not translate into reality. Al-Nassr quickly faced difficulties in the league, suffering painful defeats against direct rivals, which cost them the chance to compete for the Saudi Pro League title, even with stumbles from competitors Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.

    Al-Nassr participated in four major competitions this season but failed to succeed in any. In the league, they settled for third place behind Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal. In the domestic cup, they were eliminated early in the round of 16 by Al-Taawoun—a result that sparked anger among fans due to poor performances and ineffective tactics.

    Al-Nassr's struggles

    In the Saudi Super Cup, Al-Nassr suffered another heavy 4-1 defeat against Al-Hilal—a result that served as a wake-up call, highlighting the gap between the two teams in terms of stability and technical readiness.

    The final blow came in the AFC Champions League, where Al-Nassr lost 3-2 to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the semifinals. Despite individual efforts in the closing minutes, the team could not overcome organizational weaknesses and tactical indiscipline, which were hallmarks of their opponents.

    Technical performance was not the only issue; managerial decisions were also inconsistent. In the summer, businessman Ibrahim Al-Mehidab was appointed as the club’s chairman, but his tenure was short-lived, resigning in August 2024—less than three months after taking office. This move was interpreted as a sign of internal pressure and interference in managerial authority.

    Managerial changes

    Another change occurred at the CEO level, with Majed Al-Ghamdi replacing Italian CEO Guido Fienga to restructure the management and implement a more professional model. However, these changes did not positively impact results and were later seen as factors undermining the team’s overall stability.

    From a technical standpoint, Portuguese coach Luís Castro began the season but was sacked in September 2024 after a poor start in domestic and continental competitions. Italian coach Stefano Pioli replaced him, raising hopes among Al-Nassr fans for a turnaround. However, he inherited an incomplete squad and struggled to fully implement his style, though there were slight tactical improvements mid-season.

    Stefano Pioli

    The failures of this season have reignited debates about Al-Nassr’s project—one that, despite financial investments and high-profile signings, still lacks technical identity and managerial stability. Fans who fill the stands and eagerly follow the team’s news now demand a comprehensive review of the technical, managerial, and foreign player structures that failed to deliver expected value.

    In the end, Al-Nassr’s season ended without any trophies, marked by confusing decisions, inconsistent performances, and unsuccessful choices in technical and managerial staff. The question remains: Will Al-Nassr learn from this season’s mistakes, or will the cycle of changes continue?

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