Ange Postecoglou has been appointed head coach of Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club captained by Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Tottenham boss has signed a two-year deal in Riyadh, less than a year after his rapid sacking by Nottingham Forest. For England fans, the move underlines just how far the Saudi Pro League’s pull now reaches with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Postecoglou replaces Jorge Jesus at Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, 60, as head coach on 3 July 2026. The Greece-born Australian takes over from veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, 71, who left the club at the end of the previous campaign.
The Riyadh-based side, captained by Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, won the Saudi Pro League title for the first time in May. Postecoglou therefore inherits reigning champions, with the pressure of defending the crown and challenging in the AFC Champions League.
A fresh start after the Nottingham Forest failure
Postecoglou had been out of work since he was sacked by Nottingham Forest last October after just 39 days in charge. That short-lived spell dented the reputation he built at Tottenham, where he managed Spurs from June 2023 to June 2025.
The two-year Saudi deal offers a route back to relevance. His attacking, front-foot football will need to adapt to a league that blends ageing global stars with emerging local talent.
What the move means ahead of World Cup 2026
With the 2026 World Cup a year away, the appointment confirms the Saudi Pro League is still luring high-profile European managers. For England and Thomas Tuchel’s squad, it is another market to monitor across the transfer windows.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, still harbours ambitions of a final World Cup with Portugal. How Postecoglou manages the captain’s fitness and minutes will be watched closely, including by potential 2026 opponents of the Three Lions.
FAQ
Who is the new Al-Nassr head coach?
Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham manager, was appointed Al-Nassr head coach on 3 July 2026 on a two-year deal.
Why was Postecoglou out of work?
He was sacked by Nottingham Forest in October 2025 after just 39 days in charge and had been without a job since then.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo still at Al-Nassr?
Yes, Ronaldo remains Al-Nassr’s captain and will play under Postecoglou for the coming season.
Have Al-Nassr won a title recently?
Yes, the club won their first-ever Saudi Pro League title in May 2026.
Does this move link to the 2026 World Cup?
Indirectly: it shows the pull of the Saudi Pro League and involves Ronaldo, who is targeting a final World Cup with Portugal in 2026.
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