It’s been almost four years since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s first ambassador of choice after a brief return to Manchester United and many years at the highest European level in the ranks of Real Madrid and Juventus. Now aged 41, the person still plays under the colors of Al-Nassr. But for how much longer?
Under Saudi contract until June 30, 2027, will CR7 honor its lease as planned. Nothing is less certain if we are to believe the Saudi journalist and former spokesperson for the Riyadh club Saud Al-Sarami. As part of a podcast produced by Al Arabiya Sports, the person in question indeed throws a wrench into the pond this Wednesday regarding the immediate future of the Portuguese star.
“ Cristiano has become a breathless player for Al-Nassr, and I believe he will leave during the winter transfer window », breathes the media man, who has maintained a solid network within the Riyadh club and could in fact have been informed of the rumors in the corridors which are heard there today.
A final sporting challenge to take on?
Already appearing on the decline with the Lusitanian selection during the World Cup this summer, Cristiano Ronaldo is not having a good start to the season with Al-Nassr. Although he is credited with three goals after seven matches played in all competitions, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner nonetheless appears to be confused and frustrated on the pitch.
It remains to be seen where the legend could bounce back if he leaves in the coming months? Would it be possible to take on a final sporting challenge, in the United States for example? Or could he, like Neymar, reconnect with the club of his beginnings – Sporting – for a pressure-free end to his career, in a role of ambassador more than star striker? “ This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy “, he confided last month to the American magazine Vogue.
