Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, following the termination of his contract with Manchester United in January 2023, sent shockwaves throughout the global soccer community. Despite initial surprise, the move became understandable, given his unsuccessful attempts to secure a contract with major European clubs, leading to the parting of ways with his super agent Jorge Mendes.
Fortunately, the decision has proven successful for all parties involved. Despite facing challenges initially in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has adapted well, scoring consistently and showcasing a joyful demeanor on the field. Newcastle United’s co-owner and director, Amanda Staveley, even discussed the possibility of seeing Ronaldo feature in the UEFA Champions League with a Saudi team during a recent summit.
Amanda Staveley reignites Cristiano Ronaldo’s UCL return rumour
Saudi Arabia is currently challenging the status quo in global football. Despite the backlash players face for moving to the country primarily for financial gains, from Saudi Arabia’s perspective, it has proven to be a successful strategy. Consider this: Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, two players boasting a combined total of six Ballon d’Or awards, now represent two of the most prominent clubs in Saudi Arabia. While some may be reluctant to acknowledge it, the country is undeniably making a significant impact on the sport.
Through its SPIF, the country is also making great moves in Europe, claiming ownership of Newcastle United, a deal Amanda Staveley, who is in the middle of a legal battle, played an important role in helping them secure. In a recent Bloomberg summit, the renowned business leader revealed Saudi Arabia’s goal to participate in the UEFA Champions League someday despite being on an entirely different continent.
“I’m quite sure there will be a Saudi club in the Champions League,” the Newcastle co-owner revealed at the summit. ”I don’t know how long it will take, but knowing Saudi Arabia, I don’t think it will take that long,” she added.
Saudi Arabia’s plan to break into Europe’s most crucial club competition may face obstacles until UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin steps down from his post. The former Slovenian FA president has criticized Saudi Arabia’s approach of lavishly spending money to recruit Europe’s top players and is likely to oppose the country’s involvement in a European league.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s SPL season so far
Cristiano Ronaldo outscored Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane in 2023, finishing the year with 56 goals for club and country in all competitions. This made him the top goalscorer in the world in 2023, a remarkable achievement for the man who turned 39 last month.
Even at his age, he’s still one of the deadliest strikers in the world, and the world is filled with excitement as he’ll be leading the lines for Portugal at the 2024 Euros.
Ronaldo has 22 goals and nine assists in 21 league appearances this season. His goals have kept Al-Nassr in the title race even though they’re nine points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.
The former Manchester United forward has also scored five goals and one assist in seven AFC Champions League appearances for the Saudi club this season. He’s Al-Nassr’s top scorer by a country mile, which highlights his importance to the Saudi club despite his age of 39.
