After Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr Makes Another Big Portuguese Signing, but Not in Soccer

Al Nassr sent shockwaves through the soccer world when they secured the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo. Since then, the Portuguese superstar has been ruling the Gulf with his soccer prowess. But it appears that Al Nassr’s fascination with Portuguese talent exceeds the realm of soccer. In an intriguing turn of events, they have now added another prominent Portuguese figure to their roster, but this time, it’s not for a soccer pitch.

Amidst this exciting development, Ronaldo’s domestic season with Al Nassr remains on the upswing as he continues to make a significant impact on the Riyadh side.

Al Nassr makes another Portuguese addition

Al Nassr’s squad consists of some of Portugal’s biggest names. The list includes the country’s legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder Otavio and 62-year-old manager Luis Castro. As if the presence of such big names wasn’t enough, the Riyadh side brought another revered Portugal figure. However, the new addition isn’t for soccer; rather, it’s for basketball.

Portuguese gaffer Vasco Curado is the head coach of Al Nassr’s basketball team. He has become the latest addition to the Portuguese group of Ronaldo, Otavio and Castro. The 45-year-old will be venturing into another overseas challenge. Notably, Curado already has a considerable amount of experience, having worked for several years in Tunisia with teams like Stade Nabeulien, Club African, and Étoile Sportive de Radès, as well as in Egypt with Al Ahly.

He has both served as a solo coach and as an assistant to basketball’s renowned coaches, Mário Palma and André Martins. Remarkably, Al Nassr has had their basketball team since 1955 and even achieved their first championship victory in 2021. After that, they finished as consecutive runner-ups twice in the subsequent seasons.

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Perhaps, Curado has been added to get the extra 1% that has been missing to win the silverware. Be that as it may, let’s hope this new Portuguese addition helps Al Nassr’s basketball team in all aspects, just like Ronaldo did for Al Nassr’s soccer team.

Journey for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr so far

It has almost been a year since Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr. Since then, it has been quite a rollercoaster journey for the 38-year-old. While the first season ended in disappointment, losing all major domestic silverware to their rivals, he managed to help his side win the club’s first-ever Arab Club Champions Cup. Likewise, he also managed to bag 14 goals and two assists in all competitions.

This season, the veteran has already been on to a great start, bagging 11 goals and six assists in all competitions (via transfermarkt). Additionally, he is also helping his side rally for multiple silverware. So far, this year’s journey has been smooth sailing. It remains to be seen what the outcome will be when the season ends.

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