November 6, 2024
Realistically, it's hard to believe Ronaldo is still thinking about another challenge in Europe before he retires from football. However, we all know football holds a lot of surprises and the next months could be decisive to understand CR7's next steps...
Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of returning to Europe are a widely discussed topic, given his current contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and his long-standing connections with major European clubs. While Ronaldo has expressed that he may retire in Saudi Arabia, rumors persist about a potential European comeback for one last high-stakes season. If Ronaldo does make a return, it would likely be with a club that aligns with his reputation, competitiveness, and brand. Here are five clubs that could realistically see Ronaldo back in their ranks and you can find the betting odds for some of them at 1xbet.ie/en - enjoy sports betting!
Cristiano Ronaldo - The early years:
Ronaldo's history with Real Madrid remains unmatched, as he led the club to four Champions League titles and achieved numerous records. Known as the club's all-time top scorer, Ronaldo left an indelible legacy. Madrid fans continue to admire him, and President Florentino Perez has previously welcomed the idea of a Ronaldo return, even in a non-playing capacity. A return could reignite the club’s ambition to dominate the Champions League, a trophy that Ronaldo has always cherished. With Madrid's solid squad and youthful talents like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, or Kylian Mbappé, Ronaldo's experience could add depth to the team, especially in crucial European matches.
Returning to Sporting CP, where his football journey began, would be a fitting end to Ronaldo's storied career. Sporting holds sentimental value, and Ronaldo has occasionally hinted at finishing his career in his homeland of Portugal. Sporting fans would enthusiastically welcome him back, and his presence could be invaluable for younger players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game. Additionally, a return to Sporting would allow Ronaldo to help the club qualify for Champions League campaigns, reinforcing his legacy in Portuguese football. While Sporting may not match the financial scale of Al Nassr, the emotional appeal of "coming home" could sway Ronaldo's decision.
A reunion with Manchester United may sound unlikely given his controversial exit in 2022, but if the club's management and Ronaldo were willing to put past conflicts aside, the move could reignite United's forward line. Under manager Erik ten Hag, United has made strides toward reclaiming top positions in the Premier League, and adding Ronaldo's expertise could help bolster the club's European campaigns. Despite his previous departure, Ronaldo's popularity among United fans remains strong, and they would be eager to see him don the red jersey once more. Additionally, a return to Old Trafford could see him guide United's younger forwards and finish unfinished business in a league he once dominated.
If Ronaldo aims to add a Ligue 1 title to his achievements, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) would be an enticing option. PSG has a reputation for attracting the biggest stars, and with Lionel Messi no longer at the club, Ronaldo's arrival could fill that superstar void. PSG's financial strength, coupled with their drive to secure a Champions League trophy, aligns well with Ronaldo's ambitions. The move would also allow Ronaldo to play in another top European league, adding to his already diverse football resume.
Joining Bayern Munich could give Ronaldo the chance to claim a Bundesliga title, completing a unique set of league trophies in Europe's top five leagues. Bayern has consistently dominated German football and is a strong contender in the Champions League every season. The club's disciplined, high-performing environment could be a good fit for Ronaldo, whose training and commitment are exemplary. Bayern's manager and board may hesitate due to Ronaldo's age, but if they were to consider a short-term deal, it could yield major benefits in Europe and broaden Bayern's international fan base. A collaboration between Ronaldo and Thomas Tuchel might be the final push Bayern needs to reclaim their Champions League dominance.
Ronaldo's return to Europe, though uncertain, holds many possibilities. Each club presents unique benefits that align with Ronaldo's values and objectives. The choice would depend on Ronaldo's ambitions, whether he seeks nostalgia, new challenges, or the chance to secure one more piece of European silverware.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on November 5, against Al Ain for the Saudi Pro League. You can watch Al Nassr vs Al Ain, PSG vs Atletico Madrid, Red Star vs Barcelona, Manchester United vs PAOK, Inter vs Arsenal and Bayern Munich vs Benfica, all matches provided from our live soccer game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Riyadh vs Al Nassr kick-off time (08-11-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 00:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 21:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 19:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 18:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 17:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 13:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 10:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / si.com / telegraph.co.uk