Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in European football is nothing short of legendary, and the possibility of his return has ignited excitement among fans and pundits alike. Despite enjoying a successful stint with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old superstar continues to show flashes of his brilliance, proving he still can perform at the highest level. As former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen recently told Gambling Zone, “There would be some romance in Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Europe to finish his career off.”
Al-Nassr fans celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo reaching 900 career goals! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/oX2M1ctnr2
— 365Scores (@365Scores) September 13, 2024
Even though Ronaldo didn’t have his most memorable Euro 2024 campaign, his standout performances in the opening round of Nations League games in September remind us that he’s far from finished. Could a fairy-tale return to Europe be on the horizon for one of football’s greatest icons?
Cristiano Ronaldo back to Europe?
How’s Cristiano Ronaldo doing at the moment at Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo has been enjoying a remarkable spell at Al-Nassr. Since joining, he has led the team to victory in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, marking his first silverware with the club as well as multiple finals. Ronaldo’s impact has been consistently recognized, winning the Globe Soccer Award for Best Middle East Player in 2023. He has also been named the Saudi Professional League Player of the Month multiple times – February, August, September, December 2023, and March and May 2024 – showcasing his continued excellence.
Although Al-Nassr narrowly missed out on the King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup titles in 2024, Ronaldo still shined as the Saudi Pro League‘s top scorer in the 2023–24 season with 35 goals. His accomplishments in Saudi Arabia have solidified his status as a world-class player, demonstrating that even at 39, Ronaldo continues to dominate and remain at the top of his game. In total, he’s scored 69 goals in 76 games for Al-Nassr.
What about internationally?
Internationally, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a vital figure for Portugal. Despite being 39, he continues to defy expectations with his performances on the world stage. Although he didn’t have his best tournament in the 2022 World Cup, nor the 2024 Euros, Ronaldo bounced back strongly in the UEFA Nations League, displaying his unmatched hunger and skill, particularly in the early rounds in September 2024. He was also exceptional in the Euro 2024 qualification phase.
His recent call-ups and performances in the Nations League demonstrate that he is far from being a spent force, providing invaluable experience to a Portuguese side that is transitioning with younger talent. Ronaldo’s technical ability and knack for scoring in crucial moments, as he did against Croatia in the Nations League, continue to make him a go-to player for Portugal.
Have there been rumors of him returning?
Speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to European football has been rife, especially with his stellar performances for Al-Nassr. Many believe that Ronaldo may still have one more chapter to write in Europe before retiring. Reports have suggested that clubs from major European leagues could be interested, with Ronaldo’s desire to continue playing at the highest level fueling the rumors.
While he hasn’t publicly expressed any clear intention of leaving Al-Nassr, sources close to the player indicate that a return might not be out of the question, especially if the right opportunity arises. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen even commented on the idea of Ronaldo finishing his career in Europe, saying, “There would be some romance in Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Europe to finish his career off.” His connection with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Sporting fans remains strong, and many supporters are hoping for one last dance on the European stage. The idea of Ronaldo returning to a top-tier club has both a commercial and sentimental appeal, which keeps these rumors circulating.
What was his record like in European Football?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in European football is nothing short of extraordinary. Over nearly two decades, he established himself as one of the greatest players of all time, winning numerous individual and team accolades. He began his European journey with Sporting CP before making a name for himself at Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 saw him reach new heights, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances.
During his time in Spain, Ronaldo won four Champions League titles, two La Liga trophies, and four more Ballon d’Or awards. He then continued his success at Juventus, securing two Serie A titles and adding to his tally of goals and records. There, he scored 101 goals in just 134 games. Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 140, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform on the biggest stage. His European legacy is characterized by an unmatched goal-scoring record, countless breathtaking moments, and a winning mentality that helped his teams achieve unparalleled success.
Which other players have returned to elite football, having left for the States or Saudi Arabia?
Several players have successfully returned to elite football after stints in the United States or Saudi Arabia, proving that a move to these leagues doesn’t necessarily signal the end of a top-level career. One of the most notable examples is Zlatan Ibrahimović, who left Manchester United for LA Galaxy in 2018. After two prolific seasons in MLS, he made a remarkable return to AC Milan in 2020 at the age of 38, helping the club secure Champions League qualification and even playing a vital role in their 2021–2022 Serie A title win.
David Beckham moved from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy in 2007 but then returned to European football on loan with AC Milan on two occasions, proving he still had the quality to compete at a high level. He then made a move to PSG. While moves to less competitive leagues can offer lucrative contracts and new experiences, elite players still possess the hunger and skill to make impactful returns to European football’s top leagues, much like Ronaldo could potentially do.
What may he do instead?
Cristiano Ronaldo has a wide array of interests outside of football, and one potential path for him post-retirement is to fully immerse himself in his growing business ventures. One of his passions is Padel, a sport that’s gaining popularity worldwide. Ronaldo has shown a keen interest in it, sponsoring Padel clubs in his native Portugal and actively promoting the sport’s development. This investment highlights his desire to stay connected to sports beyond football and expand his influence in the athletic world.
Beyond Padel, Ronaldo has built a diverse business portfolio that includes his CR7-branded hotels, gyms, clothing lines, and fragrances, all of which have enjoyed significant success. With properties such as Pestana CR7 Hotels in Lisbon and Funchal, he’s proven to be a savvy businessman, indicating he may focus more on growing these ventures when he eventually hangs up his boots. Additionally, his immense popularity, being the first person to reach over 1 billion followers across all social media platforms, offers unparalleled marketing opportunities. This vast following allows him to generate significant revenue through endorsements, advertisements, and brand partnerships.
Ronaldo may also take this time to focus on his young family, something he’s expressed interest in as he nears the end of his football career. Spending more time with his children and partner could be a priority, allowing him to enjoy the fruits of his labor after decades of dedication to football.
Breaking barriers once again🦾🤯
— 365Scores (@365Scores) September 14, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo’s global reach is unmatched. His influence extends far beyond the football pitch and he became the first person to reach 1 billion followers across all social media platforms🔥 pic.twitter.com/BFE3PYQxzA
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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