Pavel Nedved joins Al-Shabab as sporting director, teaming up with Fatih Terim

Former Juventus star Pavel Nedved has been named the sporting director of Al-Shabab, a Saudi club that recently appointed Fatih Terim as head coach. The duo aims to elevate the club’s performance in the upcoming season.

Nedved, 52, has been out of work since resigning as Juventus vice president in November 2022. His tenure at Juventus included roles as a director and later vice president, contributing significantly to the club’s modern success.

As a player, Nedved spent eight seasons with Juventus, scoring 65 goals in 327 appearances and winning four Serie A titles. He is remembered for his loyalty, having stayed with the club during their Serie B stint in 2006 after the Calciopoli scandal.

In 2003, Nedved was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, cementing his status as one of the best players of his generation. He also had a stellar career with Lazio, winning the Serie A title in 2000.

At Al-Shabab, Nedved will work alongside Fatih Terim, a legendary Turkish coach known for his tactical acumen and success with Galatasaray. The duo represents a significant push by Al-Shabab to compete at a higher level in Saudi football, leveraging Nedved’s experience and Terim’s coaching pedigree.

Al-Shabab’s recent moves align with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to attract footballing talent and elevate the league’s global standing.