Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have finally responded to Al-Hilal’s transfer ambitions with Jorge Jesus’ unexpected revenge move
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr continues to shape its future after recent changes at all levels of the club, while Jorge Jesus’ success from a fierce rival still serves as an important reference. As Al-Hilal strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, Al-Nassr has responded with a different kind of investment, guiding his academy in a move that could set the club up for years to come.
Rather than focusing only on first-party additions, Al-Nassr is focused on developing the next generation of talent. The decision reflects a broader long-term strategy as the Saudi Pro League champions look to build sustainable success alongside their pursuit of domestic and continental trophies.
The coach appointed to lead Al-Nassr’s Under 21 team is Brazilian youth specialist Marcos Soares.a regular in Saudi football after previously working with both Al-Hilal and the Saudi national youth team.
According to Al-RiyadiyahSoares has reached an agreement to take over the club’s U-21 team for the upcoming JOY Elite League campaign. His appointment includes a team of international coaches, with Fernando Junior joins as goalkeeping coach, Miguel Arias serving as first assistant, and Badr Aba Al-Hussein as second assistant coach.
The move drew immediate comparisons with Al-Nassr’s previous decision to appoint Jorge Jesus after his successful move to Al-Hilal. Although Soares will work with the school instead of the big club, the club has once again placed its trust in someone who understands Saudi football and its biggest rival.
From Al-Hilal academy to national team success
Soares first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2021when he accepted the responsibility Al-Hilal’s Under-17 team. His work was quickly recognized, leading to opportunities with the Saudi youth set-up in the following years.
He trained the Saudi Under-19 national team in 2023 before going upstairs Less than 20 by 2024. At that time he presented himself as one of the most respected young coaches in the country.
His greatest success came at the international levelwhere he directed Saudi Arabia to West Asian Football Federation Under-17 Championship title and helped protect the titles of 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
An echo of Jorge Jesus’ decision
The similarities between Soares’ arrival and Jorge Jesus’ high-profile switch from Al-Hilal to Al-Nassr they did not appear. Jesus previously enjoyed great success with Al-Hilal before making the long trip to Riyadh. Then he directed Al-Nassr is the title of Saudi Pro Leaguewhich proves that overcoming rivalry can produce good results despite the intense competition between these two clubs.
Although Soares’ responsibilities will be very different, Al-Nassr is hopeful that history can repeat itself. Instead of competing for the top trophies immediately, his goal is to develop players who can one day support stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or become regulars in the first team of the future.
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