Roberto Mancini, one of the most high-profile coaches in international football, has been sacked as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team after just 14 months in charge. The former Manchester City and Italy boss, who signed a lucrative four-year deal worth €25 million per year, now stands to receive a substantial payout, potentially amounting to £65 million, for his brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint in the Middle East.
Mancini’s departure comes as a shock to many, given the fanfare surrounding his appointment. Regarded as a major coup for Saudi football when he took over in August 2023, Mancini’s reign saw Saudi Arabia win just seven of their 18 matches. This underwhelming record ultimately led to his dismissal.
A Big Payday Awaits
Mancini’s contract with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) was one of the most lucrative in world football. The four-year agreement, which would have kept him in charge until 2027, reportedly made him the highest-paid football coach globally, with an annual salary of €25 million (£21.5 million) after tax.
Now, with nearly three years left on that deal, Mancini is in line for a staggering payout due to the early termination of his contract. If the full amount of his remaining contract is honored, the payout could amount to roughly £65 million, making it one of the largest severance packages in football history.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed his departure in a brief statement, saying, “The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today, which includes the end of the contractual relationship.”
What Went Wrong for Mancini in Saudi Arabia?
When Mancini was appointed in 2023, it was seen as a significant step forward for Saudi Arabia, who were looking to enhance their football profile and competitiveness on the international stage. Mancini, fresh off a successful spell as Italy’s national coach—where he won Euro 2020 by beating England in the final—was expected to replicate that success with Saudi Arabia.
However, his tenure quickly became a rocky one. Mancini struggled to achieve consistent results, with Saudi Arabia winning just seven of the 18 games he oversaw. The team’s performances in their World Cup qualifiers and friendlies were far from convincing, and tensions reportedly began to rise behind the scenes. According to Italian media, Mancini’s relationship with some of the players became strained in the final months of his tenure, which may have contributed to the decision to part ways.
The final straw for Mancini seemed to come earlier this month when Saudi Arabia played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Bahrain in an Asian Cup qualifier. The result left fans and officials frustrated, and Mancini was reportedly involved in heated exchanges with a small number of supporters following the game. following disappointing results
Despite the team’s struggles, Mancini’s time in Saudi Arabia was not without some bright moments. He helped lead the team to a few notable victories, but inconsistency plagued his tenure. Saudi Arabia currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group, and the federation felt that a change was necessary to improve their chances of securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Future Prospects for Mancini
Now without a job, speculation is rife about where Roberto Mancini might end up next. With a stellar CV that includes stints at top clubs such as Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Galatasaray, as well as his success with Italy, Mancini is sure to attract interest from clubs and national teams alike.
Some reports suggest that he could return to club football, with several high-profile teams in Europe potentially looking for new managers in the near future. Others speculate that Mancini might remain in international football, with opportunities possibly opening up after the conclusion of the 2024 European Championship and 2026 World Cup qualification campaigns.
One rumor even links Mancini with a potential return to the Premier League, where he famously led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012. When asked if Mancini would be open to returning to the Premier League, sources close to the Italian manager suggest that he remains fond of English football and could consider a move back to the league if the right opportunity presents itself.
Saudi Arabia’s Next Step
For Saudi Arabia, the focus now shifts to finding a replacement for Mancini, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation stating that they aim to appoint a new coach in the coming days. The new manager will be tasked with leading the team through their remaining World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, should they secure qualification.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has been aggressive in recent years in its pursuit of top footballing talent and experienced managers, and the next appointment is expected to follow that trend. With significant financial resources at their disposal, the SAFF is likely to target another high-profile manager capable of elevating the national team to new heights on the international stage.
Mancini’s Legacy and Impact on Saudi Football
Although Mancini’s time in charge of Saudi Arabia was brief and far from the success many had hoped for, his appointment signaled Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a serious contender in international football. Mancini’s presence brought increased attention to the Saudi national team and to Saudi football as a whole, as the nation continues to invest heavily in the sport both domestically and internationally.
The Saudi Pro League, for example, has attracted several high-profile players in recent transfer windows, including stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. His appointment was another part of that broader strategy to elevate Saudi football’s global standing.
However, with his exit, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation now faces a critical decision in finding a new coach who can build on the foundations laid and help guide the team to future success.
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