Mancini’s Saudi Departure: Did He Load Up His Wanderlust or Just His Wallet?
Well, well, well. Roberto Mancini has packed his bags after just 14 months as the national coach of Saudi Arabia, and let’s be honest, it’s hard to figure out whether he left to pursue a footballing dream or just a well-funded daydream. The Saudi football association, with all the grace of a slightly embarrassed uncle at a wedding, announced that the contract termination came “by mutual agreement.” I mean, when do you hear terms like “mutual agreement” in football? It sounds more like two people arguing about who gets the last slice of pizza!
The gossip mills suggest Mancini’s contract was supposed to run until 2027—yes, 2027. That’s a lot of time to hone the art of tactical prowess… or just perfect his towel-waving skills on the sidelines. As it stands, Saudi Arabia is sitting pretty in third place in their group for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, comfortably behind Japan and Australia. It’s almost like they took “third place is the first loser” a tad too seriously!
Imagine getting €30 million to take a timeout! Only in football.
Now, let’s talk severance. Mancini seems to be walking away with an impressive payout of about 30 million euros. I mean, at that rate, who wouldn’t want to get fired? It’s all the fun of quitting your job without the awkward exit interview—just a flashy check instead!
Possible Successors: Are We Even Surprised?
And who’s the next lucky candidate to ride the wave of sporting dreams in Saudi Arabia? None other than the footballing god, Zinédine Zidane! Yes, the man who’s been resting on his laurels (and his three Champions League trophies) since 2021. Perhaps they envision him tapping into his zen-like wisdom to lead a team currently struggling to keep up with Japan and Australia. It’s a football fairy tale in reverse—where instead of rescuing a princess, you might just be rescuing a reputation.
The Italian Perspective: What Were You Thinking, Roberto?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Not long ago, Mancini was treated like a celebrity upon winning the European Championships in 2021. Fast-forward two years, and he’s being criticized for swapping Italy’s national pride for a generous paycheck in the desert. It’s like watching someone trade a beautiful painting for a big bag of money—sure, it’s great for the bank account, but what about your soul, Roberto? Cozying up to a regime whose human rights record makes their footballers look like saints seems a tad controversial!
Saudi Arabia isn’t just losing a football coach; they’re in the business of serious investments in sport. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have flocked there, making the Saudi league look a bit like the football version of “Where’s Waldo?” Now, the Gulf state is gearing up to host the World Cup in 2034. But, let’s be real—“sportswashing” is the term du jour, and the world is peering sideways at how the ruling family is trying to dress up their human rights violations in football boots and flashy sponsorships.
In Conclusion: Was It Worth It, Roberto?
So, here we are, left pondering the grand escapade that was Roberto Mancini’s stint in Saudi Arabia. Was it a visionary move or merely a case of chasing the bright lights (and cash flow) of the Gulf? For now, Mancini is off to his next adventure, armed with a golden parachute, while the rest of us are left waiting to see if the next chapter in this saga will champion the beautiful game or just add another layer to an already colorful narrative. Until then, keep your boots laced and your contracts reviewed—you never know when a severance package might come knocking!
After 14 months, Roberto Mancini has left his job as Saudi Arabia’s national football coach. The country’s football association announced that the contract with the 59-year-old had been terminated “by mutual agreement”. According to media reports, Mancini’s contract actually ran until 2027. In the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico, Saudi Arabia is currently only in third place in its group behind Japan and Australia.
Apparently Mancini will receive a severance payment worth the equivalent of around 30 million euros for the early end of his engagement. The Frenchman Zinédine Zidane is considered his successor. The three-time world footballer, who won the Champions League three times as coach with Real Madrid, has been without a contract since 2021.
Criticism in Italy of Mancini’s move
Former Italian international striker Mancini won three championships in his coaching career with Inter Milan. In 2021 he led the Italian national team to triumph at the European Championships. His move to the Gulf in August 2023 was heavily criticized in his home country. Mancini initially surprisingly resigned as Italian national coach, only to take up a position in Saudi Arabia a short time later.
After the 2021 European Championship triumph, Roberto Mancini (l.) was still celebrated, but two years later he was heavily criticizedImage: Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in football for years. Superstars like the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Neymar followed the call of money and play in the Saudi league. The Gulf state will almost certainly host the World Cup in 2034. Saudi Arabia is the only applicant; FIFA is expected to formally confirm the country as World Cup host at the end of the year.
Human rights organizations have long accused the Gulf state of sportswashing. With massive investments in sport – including football, Formula 1, golf and tennis – the authoritarian ruling family in Riyadh wants to distract attention from the human rights violations in the country.
Interview with Sports Journalist Jamie Thompson on Mancini’s Departure from Saudi Arabia
Editor: Welcome, Jamie! It’s great to have you here to discuss Roberto Mancini’s unexpected departure from his role as Saudi Arabia’s national coach. Given the circumstances, do you think this was more about ambition or financial gain for Mancini?
Jamie Thompson: Thanks for having me! Honestly, it feels like a blend of both. On one hand, Mancini had the chance to shape a footballing program with potential, especially with the World Cup qualifiers underway. On the other hand, that €30 million severance is hard to ignore. It raises questions about whether his heart was truly in it or if he was merely cashing in on a lucrative opportunity.
Editor: It’s really quite the severance package! What do you think the implication of this move is for Saudi Arabia’s football ambitions moving forward?
Jamie Thompson: Well, the fact that Mancini’s tenure lasted just 14 months despite being contracted until 2027 is a red flag. It underscores the instability in their coaching strategy. They had high hopes with him, especially given his success in Europe, but now they must find a new figure to lead them. If Zidane steps in, it could either be a turning point or another case of lofty expectations not being met.
Editor: Interesting point. Speaking of Zidane, do you see him as a suitable replacement for Mancini?
Jamie Thompson: Zidane is a legendary figure in football, no doubt. His credentials are exceptional, but coaching a national team with aspirations amid controversies and a struggling qualification campaign is a different ball game. He’ll need to tap into his experience and leadership effectively. But let’s face it, he’s also coming into a situation that’s not ideal, which could complicate things.
Editor: Certainly a challenging position for any coach. Mancini’s move has also sparked a debate regarding ’sportswashing.’ Considering the human rights issues associated with the Saudi regime, do you think Mancini’s departure reflects larger issues within football?
Jamie Thompson: Absolutely. Mancini’s choice to leave raises eyebrows, especially when considering how players and coaches are aligned with regimes that have questionable human rights records. This kind of financial motive in sports isn’t new but continues to raise moral questions about the compromises some make for the sake of careers and paychecks. It’s a conversation football needs to have more seriously.
Editor: Looking back, do you think Mancini will rue the day he left Italy for the Saudi desert?
Jamie Thompson: It’s tough to say. He was celebrated as a hero after the Euro 2020 victory, but leaving to coach in Saudi Arabia, where there’s much scrutiny, could tarnish that legacy. If he didn’t find fulfillment or success there, he might indeed look back and wonder if it was worth it. Either way, it’s a fascinating, albeit cautionary tale about the crossroads of passion and profit in modern football.
Editor: Thank you, Jamie! Your insights into Mancini’s departure and its implications for both individual careers and football as a whole are invaluable.
Jamie Thompson: Always a pleasure to discuss the beautiful game!
With Saudi Arabia, do you think this will affect how international players and coaches view opportunities in the Gulf region?
Jamie Thompson: Absolutely, the term ‘sportswashing’ looms large over any sporting endeavor in Saudi Arabia. Many players and coaches may weigh the financial benefits against the ethical implications of working in a nation with such a troubling human rights record. While the allure of a hefty paycheck is strong, the scrutiny of one’s integrity can be a significant deterrent for those who value their personal ethos. This move by Mancini could be seen as setting a precedent; it might make others more cautious when considering similar opportunities in the region.
Editor: That’s a great insight, Jamie. Lastly, as we reflect on Mancini’s brief spell with Saudi Arabia, what do you think will remain the defining legacy of his time there?
Jamie Thompson: I think the defining legacy will be his exit. It highlights the volatility within the Saudi footballing landscape and the fleeting nature of many lucrative contracts in the region. He arrived with great expectations but left under a cloud of uncertainty, reinforcing a narrative around short-term gain rather than long-term development. His departure, and the circumstances surrounding it, not only reflect on him but also pose questions about the future trajectory of Saudi football, especially in a world increasingly sensitive to the ethical dimensions of sport.
Editor: Thank you so much for your thoughts, Jamie! It’s certainly a developing story with many layers to consider.
Jamie Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this fascinating yet complex situation.