Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has done the country a buck-load of good. Being one of the most famous and marketable athletes in the world, his decision to join the less competitive Saudi Pro League once shocked the world, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has shown exactly why – to fall in love with the game again.
The former Real Madrid man showed off his star power as he took the front-row seat in the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. In the build-up to the match, Cristiano Ronaldo also jokingly faced off with Conor McGregor.
Cristiano Ronaldo faces off Conor McGregor
Cristiano Ronaldo may have left Europe, but the 38-year-old went to Saudi Arabia with his class and style. The former United star had been involved in the fierce clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut. Ronaldo helped promote the fight as it took place in Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo’s new home after leaving Manchester United last year.
The highly publicized fight had a lot of stars in the arena, from soccer stars like Luis Figo and Rio Ferdinand to boxing legends like Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor. It may have been a boxing match for two combatants, but Ronaldo had his fair share of attention, as almost everyone wanted to get a special moment with the Portuguese superstar.
In one such event, Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor were spotted facing off as if they were preparing for a fight of their own. This was the usual for Cristiano Ronaldo, who never shies away from playfully challenging boxing stars whenever he sees them. He did the same with Francis Ngannou a few weeks ago and ended up giving the former UFC star a special “Heart of Ronaldo” watch in preparation for his match against Tyson Fury, which he lost by “a split decision.”
Pep Guardiola wants Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester City
Despite the distractions of the fight, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the most lethal finisher in 2023, scoring 43 goals for club and country, making him the top goalscorer of the year. His form has earned him praise from Pep Guardiola, who has openly admitted he wanted the 38-year-old at Manchester City before his decision to return to United in 2021.
“Even at 38, he’s still one of the best players in the world. There was a reason I wanted him at City,” Guardiola said.
Back in 2021, Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester City had approached Cristiano Ronaldo, and a deal was edging closer. However, those at Manchester United couldn’t let a legend join bitter rivals, prompting everyone to use all the connections they had with Ronaldo to convince him to rejoin Manchester United.
Despite his form in 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo shockingly admitted last week that he couldn’t care less about records. Apparently, the Portuguese forward is just focusing on winning with Al-Nassr, who have won eight of their 11 games so far in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Can Cristiano Ronaldo help Al-Nassr mount a title challenge this season?
