Postecoglou Ronaldo link shaped the manager’s Al Nassr move, with the 61-year-old revealing why coaching Cristiano Ronaldo appealed to him

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was a major attraction behind his decision to join the Saudi Arabian club in July 2026.

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Postecoglou, 61, took charge of Al Nassr on a two-year contract following Jorge Jesus’s departure, with the Portuguese coach subsequently appointed head coach of Portugal.

The Australian manager said working alongside Ronaldo offered a rare opportunity to become part of the career of one of football’s most celebrated players.

Speaking on the LiSTNR podcast The Howie Games, monitored by PUNCH Online on Friday, September 4, Postecoglou reflected on the influence that exceptional players have had on his own career.

“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.

The Al Nassr boss recalled having legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskas as his coach during his playing days, describing that association as a memorable part of his own football journey.

Postecoglou also highlighted his previous relationships with Australia great Tim Cahill and South Korea captain Son Heung-min, saying those experiences had allowed him to play a small role in the careers of outstanding players.

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

Postecoglou stressed that the attraction was not driven by personal ambition alone. Instead, he viewed the opportunity as another meaningful chapter in a career shaped by encounters with exceptional footballers.

“That was part of the attraction,” he said, adding that the chance to be associated with such players had been part of what he wanted to experience since childhood.

Ronaldo’s presence is central to Al Nassr’s ambitions, with the club assembling a star-studded squad that also includes Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.

Postecoglou has made an encouraging start to his tenure, guiding Al Nassr through an unbeaten opening to the 2026-27 campaign and earning the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award for August.

The early success has added momentum to a season in which the club will seek to defend its Saudi league title while pursuing a maiden Asian Champions League Elite crown.

For Postecoglou, however, the opportunity goes beyond trophies and personal achievements. Coaching Ronaldo gives the veteran manager the chance to contribute, however briefly, to the continuing story of a player whose career has already produced an extraordinary collection of records and honours.

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The challenge now will be turning that high-profile partnership into sustained success for Al Nassr on both the domestic and continental stage.