For 12 years, Marcelo Salazar has worked in Arab football. Currently Executive Director of Al Nassr, he is behind the numerous signings of international stars by the Saudi club in recent years. However, his journey began much more modestly as a fitness trainer in Kuwait. It was thanks to opportunities offered by Péricles Chamusca then Mano Menezes that he was able to make a name for himself in Saudi football.
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As Executive Director, Marcelo Salazar manages the club’s transfers. He notably recruited Portuguese coach Luis Castro after his departure from Brazilian club Botafogo. Despite criticism from some Botafogo fans who feared Castro would “destroy” their team, Salazar knew the Portuguese manager was world class.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s domino effect
But the transfer that had the biggest impact was undoubtedly that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Signing the Portuguese superstar completely transformed the football landscape in Saudi Arabia. In less than a year, players like Benzema, Kanté and Neymar have in turn joined the Saudi championship, attracted by the visibility brought by CR7. According to Marcelo Salazar, the presence of Ronaldo and his family showed that it was possible for other footballers to live peacefully in the country with their own families.
🚨🎙 “The impact of Cristiano’s move to Al-Nasr?”
Marcelo Salazar, Executive Director of Al Nasr:
“It was a very ambitious move by our club. I would say great. Because bringing a player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s caliber to play here in Saudi Arabia was truly a shock to world… pic.twitter.com/83X7LQXDng
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) October 1, 2023
Originally from Pernambuco in Brazil, Marcelo Salazar began his career as a futsal player before moving abroad for 22 years across Europe and today in Saudi Arabia. Despite the distance, he remains very attached to his roots and considers that through his work he promotes a positive image of Brazil and his native region in the world. It is therefore thanks to his determination and decades of experience that Marcelo Salazar became the key figure behind the spectacular transfers which made Al Nassr one of the most ambitious clubs in the Gulf.
