In an unprecedented move, veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus , manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, surprised the sports world and fans by entering the world of journalism in a big way. Jesus has embarked on a new venture outside the technical sidelines, writing a weekly column for the renowned Portuguese newspaper "Record," thus opening a new chapter in his illustrious career and offering a unique perspective on his experience in Saudi Arabia.
This move comes at a crucial and decisive time for Al-Nassr, who are engaged in a fierce battle for the Saudi Professional League title. The club currently sits in second place, chasing their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, the league leaders, placing immense pressure on coach Jorge Jesus and his team to win every match. This convergence of a major sporting challenge and a media initiative highlights the Portuguese coach's personality, which extends beyond focusing solely on tactics to include communicating and sharing his vision on a broader scale.
Context of the major transformation in Saudi football
Jesus's experience wouldn't have gained such momentum were it not for the historic transformation underway in the Saudi League. With the influx of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, along with a host of world-class coaches, the world's attention has turned to Saudi stadiums. This ambitious sporting project, part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, has not only raised the technical level of competition but has also created an environment rich in cultural and human experiences, something Jesus seems keen to document and share with readers in his homeland and around the world.
Jesus as a cultural ambassador in his first article
Beyond tactical plans and technical analysis, Jesus began his journalistic career with an article reflecting on his personal experience during the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. The coach highlighted the spiritual significance of this period, speaking of fasting not as a physical burden, but as a human value that reflects willpower and discipline. Jesus praised the determination he witnessed in his players' eyes during training, and noted the coaching staff's meticulous monitoring of their physical condition to balance the demands of fasting with the high level of competition.
He also expressed his deep admiration for the mutual respect within the team and Saudi society as a whole, and for the way daily life is organized around the value of fasting. He emphasized that this experience has added a cultural and human dimension to his life that transcends football, making him an unofficial ambassador conveying a vivid picture of life in the Kingdom.
Importance and expected impact
Domestically, Jesus's initiative demonstrates the integration of foreign talent into the fabric of Saudi society, offering a positive model for cultural exchange. Internationally, his writing in a prestigious European newspaper lends the Saudi league an influential voice and added credibility, providing an insider's perspective that goes beyond mere match results. As Jesus leads Al-Nassr to championships, he documents his journey with his pen, proving that leadership extends beyond on-field directives to include building bridges and sharing inspiring stories.
