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FWC: ARG v CPV live on SNPostecoglou lands shock new coaching post at Al Nassr
Anna Harrington, AAP • July 4th, 2026 6:00 am
Ange Postecoglou has taken over as Al Nassr coach, where he will work with Cristiano Ronaldo | Photo: EPA
Ange Postecoglou will coach Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr after making the shock call to join the Saudi Pro League club.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest manager Postecoglou, 60, has signed a two-year deal with Al-Nassr, the club announced on Friday (Saturday NZ time).
"It's official: Mr. Ange Postecoglou is the new head coach of Al Nassr," the club posted on social media.
"He signed a contract for 2 seasons. Welcome, Gaffer!"
Australian manager Postecoglou will coach a team headlined by Portugal superstar Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time.
Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Joao Felix also plays at Al Nassr, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.
Postecoglou's move is surprising to say the least, given his lofty ambitions throughout his career.
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the star turn at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League | Photo: EPA
The Melburnian had been widely expected to remain in Europe.
The 60-year-old had been linked with the Scotland job after Steve Clarke stepped down following their World cup exit, as well as Kazakhstan.
He had been without a coaching role since he was sacked by Forest last October - where he lasted just 39 days, the shortest-ever Premier League managerial stint.
Postecoglou didn't win any of his eight matches in charge at Forest, and Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis made a ruthless call after Forest's fourth-straight loss in all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou led Spurs to Europa League final glory before losing his job at the London club | Photo: EPA
Postecoglou famously won the Europe League with Tottenham, who he led between 2023 and 2025.
The Australian experienced a rollercoaster stint at the North London club.
In his first season, Postecoglou landed a fifth-placed finish and qualified Spurs for the Europa League.
But the following campaign, Spurs slipped to 17th and Postecoglou was sacked last June, just weeks after winning the Europa League - the club's first trophy in 17 years.
Four months later, he started his ill-fated stint at Forest.
Postecoglou is a proven winner and his two shots at the Premier League followed trophy-laden stints at Yokohama F. Marinos, then Celtic and Brisbane Roar, along with the Socceroos.
The former Socceroos boss won the Asian Cup in 2015, led Australia at the 2014 World Cup and secured qualification for the 2018 tournament before resigning and later joining Yokohama F. Marinos.
Al Nassr, who Socceroos defender Aziz Behich played for on loan in 2024, will hope Postecoglou's magic touch can deliver success in the local league, along with the Asian Champions Elite competition.
Postecoglou's move came mere hours after one of his former Yokohama assistants, Arthur Papas, was announced as head coach of another Saudi Pro League cliub, Al Ettifaq.
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