Postecoglou: Coaching Ronaldo Lured Me to Al Nassr

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has shared that coaching Cristiano Ronaldo influenced his choice to join the Saudi club.

Postecoglou, who is 61 years old, took the manager role at Al Nassr in July. He signed a two-year contract after Jorge Jesus left the position to coach Portugal.

Al Nassr boasts a talented squad that includes Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Ronaldo.

In an interview on the LiSTNR podcast The Howie Games, which was monitored by PUNCH Online on Friday, Postecoglou expressed that working with Ronaldo and being part of the journey of one of football's legends excited him.

"When I reflect on my career, what stands out for me is that I’ve been unbelievably blessed in being part of other people’s journeys," Postecoglou said.

He reminisced about having the legendary Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas as his coach during his playing days.

"When I was a player, Ferenc Puskas was my coach, one of the greatest players of all time. And just that association has been unbelievable for me because I’m a small part of that man’s story; a little small part, but a small part."

Postecoglou also mentioned his experience working with Australia’s Tim Cahill and South Korea’s Son Heung-min as examples of his involvement in the careers of great players.

"With the Socceroos, I worked with arguably our greatest ever player in Timmy Cahill, so I’m a small part of his story. Sonny [Son Heung-min], the greatest ever Korean player, I’m a small part of his story."

"So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here; you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well."

"And not from a selfish point of view, but for my own kind of life’s journey, of everything I wanted to do since I was a kid, you get associated with these people on the way."

"That was part of the attraction… Not that they’ll tell my story alongside it, but I can tell that story, and that was a part of it as well."

Postecoglou has started the 2026-27 season unbeaten with Al Nassr. He was named the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month for August.

The Australian now aims to help the club defend their Saudi league title and also chase their first Asian Champions League title.