Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo played a significant role in his decision to take charge of Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr.
The Australian manager was appointed by the Riyadh based club in July on a two year contract, replacing Jorge Jesus, who subsequently took over as head coach of Portugal. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Postecoglou has been tasked with managing a squad packed with established international stars, with Ronaldo remaining the biggest name at the club.
Speaking on The Howie Games podcast, Postecoglou explained that his attraction to the Al Nassr job was not based solely on the club, the league or the financial opportunities available in Saudi Arabia. The chance to become part of Ronaldo’s remarkable career also appealed strongly to him.
At 61, Postecoglou has already managed several high profile players during a career that has taken him across Australia, Japan, Scotland, England and now Saudi Arabia. He explained that working alongside exceptional footballers has always been an important part of his journey.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager pointed to his previous relationships with some of the most influential players from Australia and South Korea as examples. He worked with Tim Cahill during his time with the Australian national team and later managed Son Heung Min at Tottenham.
For Postecoglou, coaching Ronaldo represents another opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to the career of a player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Ronaldo’s presence was therefore an important attraction when Postecoglou considered his next managerial opportunity. The Portuguese captain is approaching the latter stages of his playing career and is pursuing the remarkable milestone of scoring 1,000 senior career goals.
Postecoglou has now found himself responsible for helping manage the workload and performance of a player whose career has been defined by extraordinary consistency, ambition and a desire to continue competing at the highest possible level.
The move to Saudi Arabia also came after a difficult period for the Australian manager. Postecoglou had been out of work since his brief spell at Nottingham Forest ended after only 39 days in October 2025.
Despite that setback, he revealed that he had received approaches from numerous clubs. According to his comments, more than 10 clubs made contact, while around half a dozen opportunities received serious consideration before he eventually accepted the Al Nassr job.
Postecoglou also rejected the idea that moving outside Europe represented a backward step in his career.
The Australian has previously managed Celtic, Tottenham and other clubs in Europe, but he said he has never judged an opportunity simply by the geographical location or reputation of a league. Instead, he considers whether a project can provide an opportunity to make an impact and whether the challenge excites him.
That philosophy helped convince him to accept the Al Nassr position. The Saudi Pro League has invested heavily in attracting international stars and experienced coaches, transforming its profile in world football over the past several years.
Al Nassr’s squad reflects that ambition. Alongside Ronaldo, the club boasts players such as Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix, giving Postecoglou a group with considerable international experience and attacking quality.
His arrival has also produced an encouraging start. Postecoglou guided Al Nassr to an unbeaten beginning to the 2026/27 campaign and was subsequently recognised as the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month for August. The club is aiming to challenge for domestic honours while also pursuing success in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The relationship between Postecoglou and Ronaldo will consequently be one of the major storylines surrounding Al Nassr this season. The Portuguese superstar remains central to the club’s ambitions, while the Australian coach will be expected to combine his tactical approach with Ronaldo’s enormous experience and influence.
For Postecoglou, however, the significance goes beyond tactics and trophies. Coaching Ronaldo gives him the opportunity to become another small part of an extraordinary football story, something he clearly considers valuable at this stage of his own managerial journey.
As Al Nassr continue their campaign, the Australian will hope the decision to move to Saudi Arabia delivers more than an opportunity to work with Ronaldo. He will be targeting trophies, continental success and a legacy of his own in one of the world’s fastest growing football leagues.
