Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been making headlines in 2023 with a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, making a definitive statement that his illustrious journey in European football was complete. After winning numerous trophies with giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo revealed his pride in this latest career decision, emphasizing that he had “won everything” in Europe and was ready for a new challenge12.
The move to Al Nassr was not without its perks. Ronaldo’s new contract reportedly earns him an estimated $200 million a year, a financial figure that stands out even in the world of high-earning athletes3. The choice of Al Nassr was not made lightly, as the 37-year-old star had offers from numerous clubs from all around the globe, including teams from Europe, Brazil, Australia, the US, and even his native Portugal4.
Ronaldo’s recent performance in the 2022 Qatar World Cup proved that his footballing prowess was far from over, despite some challenges. He became the first man to score in five World Cups, even though Portugal’s campaign ended in disappointment and Ronaldo found himself starting from the bench in the round of 16 and quarterfinal matches5.
His departure from Manchester United was fraught with controversy. Ronaldo expressed feelings of betrayal by the Premier League club during an interview with TalkTV’s Piers Morgan. He also voiced his lack of respect for manager Erik ten Hag and expressed doubt about returning to the team6.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains confident in his ability to continue performing at a high level. He aims to create an impact with Al Nassr and hopes to break new records with the club. His ambition is evident in his recent performance with Al Nassr, where he scored his 13th league goal of the season in a crucial 2-0 win over Al Tai in the Saudi Pro League, keeping their title hopes alive78.
However, Ronaldo’s journey is not just about football. His personal life has also been under the spotlight. His mother, Dolores Aveiro, and sister, Katia Aveiro, recently spoke out against rumors of a rift with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez. They criticized the sources spreading false information and vowed to protect their family’s good name910.
As I continue researching, I’ll bring more updates on Ronaldo’s recent charitable engagements and other activities outside football.