Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, has acknowledged that Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal hold more economic power than his current club, based on his prior experience coaching at Al-Hilal.
Jesus, who previously led Al-Hilal, made the comments in the context of Al-Nassr’s ongoing efforts to compete at the top despite resource differences. He stated:
“I’ve already been at Al Hilal. I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like. I’ve already benefited from it. They have more economic power. When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal. Al-Nassr, with different resources, has to compete for the top spots.
“We have to continue to be strong. That’s why I was hired, to reduce the gap between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, in terms of titles and points. And that’s what we’re doing.
“We have a lot of confidence in Al Nassr’s structure, a structure that, little by little, is increasingly managing to get the group to balance.
“But not only the group of players who play, but also a group off the field, a team that is aware of the difficulties, a team that knows it will be fighting against opponents with greater economic power, not sporting power.”
Al-Nassr currently sit one point behind league leaders Al-Hilal after 21 games, marking a notable improvement from recent seasons where they finished 14–16 points adrift. Jesus added:
“We are in the championship fight, we are one point behind the leaders, something Al-Nassr hasn’t been able to do. In recent years, Al-Nassr has finished 16 or 14 points behind the lead.
“This year we don’t want that to happen, I don’t know what will happen. We are confident that we can compete for the top spots until the end.”
The remarks follow Ronaldo’s recent return to action in a 2-0 win over Al-Fateh after a brief absence from three matches.
The Saudi Pro League has previously refuted claims of preferential treatment among PIF-controlled clubs, stating that each operates independently under the same regulations and sustainability framework.
Al-Nassr’s upcoming fixtures include an AFC Cup match against Arkadag on February 18, 2026, and a Saudi Pro League home game against Al-Hazem on February 21, 2026.
Read also
- Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Al-Nassr Return on Valentine’s Day After Three-Game Absence
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Sides with Ronaldo in Football GOAT Debate: “My Mindset Is Closer to Cristiano’s”
- Ronaldo’s Absence Linked to Transfer Protest Against Saudi Owners