Yan Nigeria
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates are currently without a head coach following the sacking of Stefano Pioli by the Saudi Pro League club.
Pioli, who only joined the Riyadh-based side after replacing Luís Castro, was dismissed after a disappointing campaign. His exit marks Al Nassr’s third managerial change since Ronaldo joined the club in late 2022.
“Pioli and his staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team,” the club confirmed via a statement.
The Italian tactician is now expected to return to Serie A, where he is reportedly close to sealing a deal to become Fiorentina’s new manager.
Pioli previously managed La Viola between 2017 and 2019, before going on to win the Scudetto with AC Milan in 2022.
Al Nassr have not lifted the domestic league title since 2019, despite significant investment in the squad and the presence of global superstar Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, over in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has expressed delight at being considered a potential candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking after PSG’s 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders at the FIFA Club World Cup, the 25-year-old said he felt “honored” by the recognition.
“If people think I am a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, I am very happy; it’s a pleasure, an honor for me,” Hakimi told Africa Top Sports. “I am in great shape, I feel good. I think I had a magnificent season.”
Hakimi, who joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2021, is set to be in the running for the prestigious award alongside teammates Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembele and other global stars like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
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