South Korean international Nam Tae-hee says he’s loving life in the A-League Men after making a fast start to his new chapter with Brisbane Roar.
The 35-year-old shone for Michael Valkanis’ side in their 2026/27 A-League Men opener, scoring a sublime second goal to help the Roar defeat Perth Glory 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium.
A 54-time South Korean international, Nam arrived in Queensland during the off-season as Valkanis and Co set about revitalising a Roar squad that finished second-last last season.
“Yeah, [it was] my first game in [the] A-League and my first goal so, what can I say?” Nam said when fronting the media on Wednesday afternoon.
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“I’m so happy and I’m so happy to help the team win the game.”
The Roar underwent a major off-season rebuild with 17 players leaving the club and 11 new faces coming through the door.
Speaking in pre-season, Valkanis said his side would be adopting a different playing style compared to their more physical approach last season, with playmaker Nam seemingly key to their newfound identity.
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 28: Brisbane Roar Midfielder, Nam Tae-Hee and Auckland FC Defender, Hiroki Sakai pose for photographs during an A-League media opportunity at Suncorp Stadium on October 28, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
“Actually, he gives me like freedom, that’s what I I like,” Nam said when asked about his role in the side under Valkanis.
“So I can move where the space [is]. I [can] find the space, I can move and I can create many chances and my teammates [have] helped me a lot.
“So yeah, I’m enjoying so far.
“Mostly I play as a number 10 position, and so with Brisbane, I think [it’s the] same role, and yeah, I’m happy to do that.”
Not only is the South Korean International enjoying life on the field for the Roar, he’s also settling in quickly to a new city.
“Yeah, I love it,” Nam smiled when asked about living in Brisbane. “I think one of best places to live, [in] my opinion.
“A lot of Koreans in the city, you can find like Korean restaurants, also Korean cafes, and so I love it.”
Nam will be back in action on Friday night when Brisbane Roar host reigning A-League Men champions Auckland FC at Suncorp Stadium.
“I think the game will be difficult for us. Auckland are doing really well [the] last few years but we will do our best to make [it] difficult too.
“Especially one of the legends of Japan, [Hiroki] Sakai. I never played against him yet, but on Friday it’s nice to play against the big players like Sakai.”
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