Rui Vitória is very close to returning to coaching. Free in the coaching market since he left the helm of Panathinaikos in September of last year, the Portuguese manager is preparing to take over at Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, according to A BOLA. This marks the return of the 55-year-old coach to the Middle East, where he also managed Saudi club Al Nassr between 2019 and 2020. It is worth noting that Al Wasl was recently coached by Luís Castro — now at Grêmio — who led the Dubai-based club from June to November 2025. Rui Vitória, who is expected to be officially presented in the coming days, will find his new team in fourth place in the UAE league, 12 points behind leaders Al Ahli, managed by Paulo Sousa. Al Wasl is also competing in the AFC Champions League 2, the second most important continental competition in Asia. This will be the ninth club in Rui Vitória's career, having previously managed Vilafranquense, Fátima, Paços de Ferreira, V. Guimarães, Benfica, Al Nassr, Spartak Moscow, and Panathinaikos. He was also the head coach of Egypt from 2022 to 2024.
Very Close Coaching Rui remains central to this story.
Very Close Coaching Rui remains central to this story.
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