There is a particular kind of football manager who invites ridicule not because he is bad at his job but because he is so relentlessly himself.
Brendan Rodgers is that manager.
And on Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day he gave the internet exactly what it wanted.
The former Liverpool and Celtic manager was unveiled at Al Qadsiah, an Aramco-owned club based in Al Khobar back in December.
He signed until 2028 and the results have been immediate and stunning.
Ten wins in thirteen matches, including victories over Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab.
Such has been their form under Brodge that Al Qadsiah are now closing in on Al-Hilal at the top of the Roshn Saudi League.
For Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrations, Al Qadsiah’s social media team posted a video of their manager dressed in full traditional Saudi attires.
Firstly, a crisp white thobe and then the more extravagant ornate gold thobe with a black bisht, white ghutra, black-gold agal, and holding a traditional Saudi rifle.
“I want to give my sincere congratulations to all of the people of Saudi Arabia, Saudi has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead” 🇸🇦
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) February 22, 2026
Sheikh Brendan on #FoundingDay 🎙️#AlQadsiahpic.twitter.com/Iw689uzoeh
Rodgers delivered his message with the studied sincerity only he can project while wearing clothes he has almost certainly never worn before in his life.
“I think it very probably looks a lot cooler on other people,” he said, smiling warmly. “But today is about respecting Founding Day here in Saudi Arabia and I will always respectfully wear it.”
He went on: “I want to give my sincere congratulations to the people of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead. I’ve only been here two months but I feel a real peace with the people here, the kindness of everyone.”
The video was produced to mark the 299th anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State.
But football fans, especially Celtic Twitter, treated it as an event.
The first wave of reactions questioned whether the video was even real.
“I thought this was AI then remembered it’s Brendan Rodgers. Of course it’s real,” wrote @lpool39.
“I’m worried this isn’t AI,” added @TrickTrick85SC.
@homeofscouse went straight for the jugular: “Ok, own up, who’s made the most cringe AI video of all time?”
“Say steady one more time…” https://t.co/u2tBdHnn9D pic.twitter.com/ncmyYqT6Re
— Justin (@juza_23) February 23, 2026
Then came the interpretations.
@JohnMcctat2 clocked the stilted delivery: “That interview was like a ransom video. He looked terrified of saying the wrong thing. Answered 10 questions with the same answer.”
@usuallyfooty spotted the deeper comedy: “Sheikh Brendan ‘personally congratulating’ everybody in Saudi Arabia on his own arrival is sensational content.”
@digitalgoonie riffed on his famous envelope press conference: “I want to say that Saudi Arabia is a great group, fantastic group of young players. I’ve got 3 envelopes here, I want the kingdom to pick one.”
1 – Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League since Brendan Rodgers arrived in mid-December:
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2026
🥇Unbeaten in 13 matches
🥈Second-most points (33)
🥇Most goals scored (34)
SheikhBrendan. https://t.co/a6BTshrDw1
Fans also noted his famously expensive taste in accessories. “Can’t see his Gucci belt when he’s got all that gear on,” observed @Funkyrob0t.
Others were more philosophical. @TamsLeftWand went with “Out-f*****g-standing. Final Boss level Brodge.”
@Last_Bhoy_Scout declared it “the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.”
@LukeCozzie offered perhaps the most complete verdict: “He is the real life football David Brent.”
Brendan Rodgers in the Saudi sunshine is almost certainly unbothered. He always is.
