Rui Vitória ‘to be named’ Al Wasl manager after Panathinaikos exit | OneFootball

Rui Vitória is close to a return to the dugout, with Al Wasl expected to name him their new manager soon, A Bola reports. The Portuguese was dismissed by Panathinaikos a few months ago.

Vitória, who succeeded Jorge Jesus at Benfica, is currently unattached after ending his contract with the Greek club, where compatriot Renato Sanches is on loan from PSG.

If confirmed, it would mark a return to the Middle East for the coach who led Benfica to two league titles. He previously managed Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2020.

The 55-year-old, who posted a farewell message on leaving Panathinaikos, would become only the second Portuguese to coach the Dubai side. Luis Castro, now at Grêmio in the Brasileirão, held the role from June to November 2025.

Should the appointment be finalised in the coming days, Vitória would take over an Al Wasl team sitting fourth in the United Arab Emirates league, 12 points behind leaders Al Ahli, coached by Paulo Sousa. It would be the ninth club of his career, adding to Vilafranquense, Fátima, Paços de Ferreira, Vitória de Guimarães, Benfica, Al Nassr, Spartak Moscow and Panathinaikos.

Source: Glorioso 1904