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Saudi Pro League gains another former football icon to work in Saudi Arabia as Pavel Nedved, the 2003 Ballon d'Or winner has signed for Al-Shabab FC as the new Sporting Director of the club.
The Czechia and Juventus legend is set to take the helm at Al-Shabab from 9 January 2025.
“Pavel Nedved”, the Ballon d’Or legend, writes a new chapter with #AlShabab
— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) January 8, 2025
🗣️ Black & White for me is EVERYTHING 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/bxrtzxORuj
The club announced his appointment via a social media post that reads: "Czech legend Pavel Nedved appointed Sporting Director of Al Shabab."
Nedved set to bring his administration experiences to Saudi
Considered one of the greatest Czech footballers of all time, Pavel Nedved etched his name in history books while playing for Juventus and Lazio. After joining Lazio in 1996, Nedved won 7 trophies before joining Juventus in 2001.
His 9-year-long and illustrious career with Juventus also earned him 5 silverware, and most remarkably, Nedved won the 2003 Ballon d'Or while playing for the Turin club with 65 goals and 81 assists to his name.
However, after retiring in 2009, Nedved started his chapter in football administration as he joined the Juventus Board of Directors in October 2010. Since October 2015, Nedved served as the club's vice president before leaving the position in November 2022.
البالندوري "بافيل نيدفيد" يبدأ فصلاً جديدًا بالأسود والأبيض 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/wXJ95eJfgv
— نادي الشباب السعودي (@AlShababSaudiFC) January 8, 2025
Al-Shabab has made a significant move in signing Nedved, as they eye for youth football development and a revamped footballing structure at the club. The newly-appointed Turkish coach Fetih Tarim will also combine with Nedved to bring the coveted glory to the club.
Currently dwelling in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League table, the club has adopted an ambitious approach to compete with the echelons of the Saudi Arabian football arena.