Qatar's Al Sadd FC announced on Thursday the appointment of Roberto Mancini as the first-team coach. The two sides signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, valid until the summer of 2028.

As one of Qatar's most successful clubs, Al Sadd has won 18 league titles to date. Their current squad consists of several Qatari internationals, including Hassan al-Haydos, Akram al-Afif, and Bualem al-Huh, as well as former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, former Monaco midfielder Mohammed Kamara, and former Wolves defender Paulo Otavio.

This appointment to head Al Sadd also marks Mancini's return to the managerial reins after more than a year. He had been unemployed since leaving the Saudi national team in October 2024, and was recently linked with a move to Nottingham Forest. However, Nottingham Forest ultimately chose Sean Dyche to replace Ango Postecoglou as manager.

According to SportItalia journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Mancini will receive an annual salary of 11 million euros at Sadr.

The 60-year-old Mancini has managed clubs including Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Galatasaray, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and others, winning accolades such as three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia titles, two Italian Super Cup titles, one Premier League title, one FA Cup title, one Community Shield title, and one Turkish Cup title. He transitioned to the international stage in 2018, leading the Italian national team to victory over England in the 2021 European Championship.

However, Mancini failed to replicate his past success with the Saudi national team. He was dismissed after only 14 months in charge, with a record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses.