Key Takeaways:
- Roberto Mancini has officially taken over as head coach of Al-Sadd following his departure from Saudi Arabia
- The Italian tactician’s contract includes a clause enabling him to exit as early as the summer of 2026
- Former Lazio and Inter player Cesar and Massimo Maccarone have joined Mancini’s coaching staff
Managerial Move Confirmed
Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new manager of Al-Sadd, Qatar’s most decorated club, signalling his return to club football after leaving his role with the Saudi Arabian national team. This latest appointment comes after speculation linking the former Euro 2020-winning Italy manager with a potential return to Serie A, though Mancini has chosen to remain in the Gulf.
✍️🏻 | OFFICIAL
Roberto Mancini has signed as Al-Sadd’s coach for 2.5 seasons.
#السد | #AlSadd pic.twitter.com/7Bc9ELw2LG
— 🏆 #81 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) November 13, 2025
Contract Details and Coaching Staff
Al-Sadd made the announcement by sharing an image on social media of Mancini holding the team shirt. The 59-year-old has signed a contract featuring a clause that allows him to depart from his post as early as summer 2026.
Mancini will be supported in Doha by a technical team featuring well-known figures from Italian football: Cesar, whom he previously managed at Lazio and Inter, and Massimo Maccarone will both serve as part of his staff.
| Appointment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Manager | Roberto Mancini |
| Club | Al-Sadd SC |
| Contract Clause | Option to leave as early as summer 2026 |
| Coaching Staff | Cesar, Massimo Maccarone |
| Previous Club Role | Zenit St. Petersburg (2018) |
Mancini’s First Club Role Since 2018
This position at Al-Sadd is Mancini’s first club appointment in seven years. He last managed at club level with Zenit St. Petersburg in 2018 before a successful spell with Italy’s national team, famously guiding the Azzurri to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and subsequently moving to Saudi Arabia.
