As Cristiano Ronaldo approaches the twilight of his legendary career, he embraces new challenges in Saudi Arabia, striving for personal milestones and further expanding his global brand, while reigniting passions on the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo's future has sparked considerable speculation since his former Portugal teammate, Ruben Amorim, became the manager of Manchester United. As Ronaldo’s contract in Saudi Arabia nears its end, rumors of a potential return to Old Trafford have started to circulate again. Nevertheless, while the idea of a reunion with United may create thrilling headlines, insiders, including well-known coach René Meulensteen, suggest that the iconic Portuguese player is unlikely to return to Europe.
At the age of 39, Ronaldo's path in the final phases of his remarkable career has led him away from the premier leagues of Europe, with his transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia ushering in a new chapter. His contract is due to conclude next summer, but the prospect of re-entering the European limelight appears increasingly improbable as time goes on. For one, Ronaldo's ambitions seem focused on furthering his legacy in the Middle East rather than pursuing a final challenge in the fiercely competitive European arena.
Meulensteen, who has extensive coaching experience in Europe, including time at Manchester United, highlighted that Ronaldo's choice to move to Saudi Arabia was motivated not solely by financial incentives but also by the desire to enhance the sport and broaden his global brand. 'He has served as an ambassador for the Saudi Pro League and has played a role in elevating its profile,' Meulensteen remarked. 'Ronaldo transcends mere football; he represents a global brand, and his involvement in Saudi Arabia has granted him access to a completely new market, while still allowing him to represent his country on the international front.'
Ronaldo's circumstances are indeed exceptional. Although the idea of joining another prominent European league is appealing, it remains uncertain whether the former stars of Real Madrid and Juventus would be satisfied with a restricted position. Meulensteen emphasizes that Ronaldo’s aspiration to remain a starter, week after week, is still very much alive. His relentless pursuit of goals is unparalleled, and he is now on the brink of achieving the remarkable feat of 1,000 career goals. Having already surpassed the milestone of 900 career goals, an impressive accomplishment in itself, Ronaldo is eager to increase that number when Al-Nassr competes against Al-Qadisiya this Friday in his quest for greatness.
The idea of being placed on the bench at a leading European club likely doesn't align with his goals. Ronaldo is focused on playing consistently, pursuing his individual achievements, and preserving his competitive spirit. 'Should he return to a major club in Europe, he may not be assured of starting every game, and that's not his desire at this point in his career,' stated Meulensteen. “Ronaldo thrives on playing, scoring, and making history, and currently, Saudi Arabia provides him with that opportunity.'
Looking forward, the notion of Ronaldo departing Saudi Arabia for another European stint appears unlikely. Joining Al-Nassr has provided him with the opportunity to compete at the highest level while focusing on his goal-scoring achievements and his ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. Competing in a league where he can be a starter in every match, further enhance his brand, and still participate internationally seems to be the ideal situation for Ronaldo at this point in his career.
Although numerous fans may envision a third spell at Manchester United for Ronaldo, those familiar with his unwavering determination and ambition recognize that he is more likely to continue crafting his own story in Saudi Arabia, pursuing the 1,000-goal milestone with the same zeal that has characterized his career.
