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July 31, 2024
With the EURO 2024 campaign finalized a few weeks ago, it's time for Ronaldo to start preparing the new season in Al Nassr and get ready for the upcoming challenges. But will we see Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia until he retires?
Cristiano Ronaldo's performance at Euro 2024 has cast a long shadow over his illustrious career. Despite starting all five of Portugal's matches and playing 486 minutes, Ronaldo failed to score a single goal. This dry spell came despite his 23 attempts on goal, averaging 4.6 per match. The once-reliable scorer seemed out of sync, missing key opportunities and struggling to connect with his teammates on the field. The most glaring example of his decline was during Portugal's Round of 16 match against Slovenia. Ronaldo's inability to convert free kicks and his missed penalty added to the criticism that he is no longer the player who can single-handedly change the outcome of a match. His overall play seemed forced, often taking ill-advised shots instead of passing to better-positioned teammates like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Playing by his own rules:
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39, has been one of the two finest soccer players of his generation for 20 years. He is a breaker of innumerable records, a serial champion, and a multiple winner of the Ballon d'Or as the world’s best player. His influence extends beyond the pitch, with 633 million Instagram followers—twice as many as Beyoncé. If Ronaldo’s Instagram were a country, it would be the third-largest in the world.
Despite his legendary status, Ronaldo's performance at Euro 2024 has led many pundits and fans to question his future with the Portuguese national team. He failed to score in any of Portugal's final three fixtures, including a 2-0 defeat to Georgia and goalless draws against Slovenia and France. Betting fans were hoping for Ronaldo to be the top scorer for Portugal in Euro 2024, provided he got the game time, but his performance left many disappointed. However, football betting enthusiasts can reduce their disappointment by using the Prizepick promotions to get bonuses and enhance their betting experience.
Despite its talented bench, Portugal did not field Diogo Jota or Gonçalo Ramos in the quarter-final against France, which went into extra time. This reluctance to substitute Ronaldo suggests his selection was based more on reputation than his current form...
Ronaldo's selection wasn't made on merit. His involvement in the matches often seemed to hinder Portugal's offensive capabilities. He enjoyed fewer touches than any other Portuguese player, including the goalkeeper, Diogo Costa. Manager Roberto Martinez appeared hesitant to leave Ronaldo out, possibly fearing the backlash of sidelining such an iconic figure. Despite mounting evidence of decline, Ronaldo's unwavering self-belief permeated the squad, leaving little room for dissenting voices.
Ronaldo's international career is decorated with records. He has represented Portugal at six European Championships and four World Cups, holding the record for most international goals with 130 and being the nation's most-capped player with 212 appearances. His 14 goals at the Euros are the most in the tournament's history, ahead of France's Michel Platini, who has nine.
Ronaldo's future with the national team is highly debated, given his recent form. Despite the disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, Ronaldo has dismissed any notions of retirement and expressed a desire to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his continued presence in the squad could be more sentimental than strategic. Portugal has many young talents, with players like Rafael Leão and Diogo Jota ready to assume more prominent roles.
One potential path for Ronaldo post-retirement is coaching. The 39-year-old has previously expressed interest in this field. In a 2016 interview with World Soccer magazine, he did not rule out the prospect of coaching, even though playing remained his priority.
Ronaldo's tenure with Al Nassr has been mixed. While he has brought significant attention to the Saudi Pro League, his performances have not consistently met the high standards he set during his peak years.
Ronaldo is under contract with Al Nassr until 2025. However, there is growing speculation that he might consider a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) after his contract ends. The MLS offers a less physically demanding environment, allowing Ronaldo to expand his brand in the lucrative American market. Such a move could provide a fitting end to his career, allowing him to transition smoothly into retirement while still playing competitively. The appeal of the American lifestyle and commercial opportunities might be too enticing for Ronaldo to pass up.
Ronaldo's future beyond football is already shaping up to be as dynamic as his playing career. His extensive business ventures under the CR7 brand, including fashion, hospitality, and fitness, provide a robust foundation for his post-football life. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts continue to make a global impact, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
As he navigates the twilight of his career, Ronaldo's legacy will be defined by his records and accolades and how he manages this transition. Whether he chooses to retire gracefully, take on a mentorship role, or continue expanding his business empire, Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly remain a prominent figure in sports and beyond.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on August 14, against Al Taawon for the Saudi Super Cup. You can watch Al Taawon vs Al Nassr, Real Madrid vs AC Milan, Man City vs Barcelona, Man United vs Betis, Liverpool vs Arsenal and Chelsea vs America, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Taawon vs Al Nassr kick-off time (14-08-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 00:15
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 21:45
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 19:15
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 18:15
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 17:15
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 13:15
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-3: 13:15
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-6: 10:15
Sources: ronaldo7.net / fifa.com / transfermarkt.com
