Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly demanding sweeping changes at Al Nassr, including the removal of key coaching and management staff, as a condition for extending his contract with the Saudi Pro League club beyond the current season.
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023, is said to be dissatisfied with the direction of the club under head coach Stefano Pioli.
According to Saudi outlet Okaz, Ronaldo has made it clear that a contract renewal will only be considered if the club undertakes a significant structural revamp—starting with the dismissal of Pioli, sporting director Fernando Hierro, and nearly half of the current first-team squad.
Pioli, who took over from Luis Castro in September 2024, has yet to deliver silverware for the Riyadh-based club.
Despite a 22-year managerial career that includes a Serie A title with AC Milan in 2021–22, Ronaldo is reportedly frustrated with the Italian’s tactical approach and what he perceives as a lack of competitiveness.
In his demands, Ronaldo has called for the appointment of a new coaching staff sourced from Europe, with a focus on modern training methods and a winning mentality.
He is also pressing for a sporting director with top-level experience and full autonomy in making transfer decisions—an apparent critique of Hierro’s limited impact on squad development.
Ronaldo’s influence within the club appears to extend beyond the pitch. He has submitted a list of players he wants released or sold, including Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte, midfielder Angelo Gabriel, and forward Wesley.
Among the foreign players, he reportedly only wishes to retain Mohamed Simakan, Otavio, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane, and Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
The domestic squad has not been spared scrutiny either. Ronaldo has allegedly recommended that local players who do not meet the club’s performance standards be let go.
Despite the ambitious nature of his demands, sources suggest that they are financially viable. Al Nassr’s estimated annual revenue could surpass $213 million—putting it on par with some of Europe’s top 30 clubs. Still, the club’s transfer budget stands at a relatively modest $80 million.
To address the squad overhaul, the team may target high-profile free agents, including Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane, both of whom are out of contract this summer. However, both players are reportedly inclined to continue their careers in Europe.
Ronaldo’s current deal runs until the end of the 2024–25 season. While he had previously expressed interest in extending it through 2026, the veteran forward is now reportedly prepared to stay until the summer of 2027—but only if his demands are met.
Since arriving in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has featured in 16 competitions for Al Nassr but has claimed only one official trophy—the Arab Club Champions Cup, recognized by FIFA. His latest ultimatum underscores his enduring drive for success, even in the twilight of a glittering career.