Saudi Fire National Coach Roberto Mancini After Poor Run Of Results

The 59-year-old Italian had signed the most lucrative coaching contract in the world – reportedly worth Euro 25 million per annum – in August last year. The deal was until August 2027, but he has been let go after 14 months into the contract.

Under Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 victory, the Green Falcons have only won seven matches, six losses, and five draws. This includes a recent loss to Japan and a draw with Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifying. They are currently placed third in Group C, with five points from one win, two draws and the loss to Japan, who lead the group with 10 points. Saudi Arabia have dropped five places to 59^th in the FIFA rankings under the Italian.

In a statement, the Saudi Football Federation said “it has reached an agreement to terminate the contract of national team coach Roberto Mancini and confirms that the name of the new coach will be announced within days.”

— مجلس إدارة الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم ومدرب المنتخب الوطني "روبرتو مانشيني"، يتوصلون اليوم لاتفاق مشترك يتضمن انتهاء العلاقة التعاقدية ?⬇ pic.twitter.com/tVfVCGpvVi

— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) October 24, 2024

The Saudis chose the former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss intending to build a strong national team ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup at home, for which the Gulf nation was the only bidder.

The grapevine in Riyadh is that Frenchman Herve Renard, Mancini’s predecessor who led the team to a shock win over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, is the frontrunner for the role.

Mancini was one of the biggest names to move to Saudi Arabia, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar, who have joined the Saudi Pro League.