Ruben Neves named Saudi Pro League’s August player of the month as Ange Postecoglou wins coach award

Ange Postecoglou has been named the Saudi Pro League’s manager of the month for August after guiding Al-Nassr to victory in each of the competition’s opening four rounds.

The award comes during the Australian’s first month in Saudi Arabian football. His Al-Nassr side made a perfect start to the campaign, winning all four of their matches, and that record earned Postecoglou the league’s first monthly coaching prize of the season.

The player of the month award went to Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, who helped Al-Hilal maintain an identical winning record during August. Al-Hilal also won all four of their games and lead the table on goal difference.

The league announced the winners of its monthly awards after the completion of the first four rounds. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who plays for Al-Hilal, was selected as the best goalkeeper.

Hamed Al-Shanqeeti, goalkeeper of Al-Kholood, received the award for best promising player.

The awards cover performances during August, which was the first month of the Saudi Pro League season and Postecoglou’s first period in charge in the competition. His immediate success with Al-Nassr placed him among the leading figures recognised by the league, while Neves was rewarded for his contribution to Al-Hilal’s unbeaten start.

Al-Hilal’s perfect opening has also left them at the top of the standings, with the club’s advantage coming from goal difference rather than a difference in points. Their strong start provided the backdrop for Neves’ selection as the league’s outstanding player for the month.

The monthly honours are announced by the league at the end of each month throughout the season. They are presented by Roshn Group, the sponsor of the competition, and recognise the leading performances by managers, players and goalkeepers, as well as emerging talent.

Postecoglou’s award therefore reflects Al-Nassr’s results across all four opening fixtures, while Neves’ prize acknowledges Al-Hilal’s matching run of victories. Bounou and Al-Shanqeeti complete the list of August winners, representing the goalkeeper and promising-player categories respectively.

With the opening month now complete, both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal have begun the campaign with four wins. Al-Hilal occupy first place because of their superior goal difference, while Postecoglou’s first month in the Saudi league has ended with the manager’s award.