Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar with extremely high attention in the world football arena, is always the focus wherever he goes, and every word of his is eagerly discussed by people.
After arriving in the Saudi league, Ronaldo has not been able to fulfill his wish to lift the championship trophy. Some believe that he is taking a high salary to retire in Saudi Arabia, working without exerting himself; others think that he is too old, with a significant decline in competitive level, making it difficult for him to contribute to the team.
However, anyone who has watched Ronaldo's matches will not have such thoughts. Compared to many players who are gold-digging in Saudi Arabia, the 40-year-old Ronaldo is undoubtedly the most hardworking and efficient one. His goal-scoring efficiency on the field is quite high, and such performance is rare throughout the world football arena.
The Saudi league is not only about Al-Nassr, as Al-Hilal, the arch-rival of Al-Nassr, also has many stars like Neymar, Misha, and Kanté, who were once prominent figures in European football. It is precisely because of the existence of Al-Hilal that Ronaldo's dream of winning the championship has been repeatedly hindered.
In the blink of an eye, Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr has only half a year left. Although the media reported that both sides are about to complete the renewal, Al-Nassr's inability to win the league championship has become the biggest hidden danger.
Recently, Portuguese media reported that Ronaldo is eager to join a team capable of winning the championship next season. Among the many potential choices, Al-Hilal is undoubtedly the most prominent. This Saudi powerhouse has stars like Misha and Neymar and is strong in the domestic league. However, the message revealed by Saudi journalists indicates that Al-Hilal seems uninterested in this football giant.
So where will Ronaldo's next stop point to? Will he continue to stay in Saudi Arabia or look elsewhere?
Here is an analysis of the possibilities for Ronaldo's next destination:
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Renewing with Al-Nassr:
Ronaldo had a very pleasant time at Al-Nassr, and the team values him greatly. Despite the contract nearing expiration, given his core position and excellent performance in the team, renewal is a highly possible choice. Ronaldo has also expressed that he is happy in Saudi Arabia and willing to continue playing there, and Al-Nassr can meet his high salary demands. Moreover, if he wants to participate in the 2026 World Cup, staying at Al-Nassr would help him maintain his form.
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Joining other Saudi teams, such as Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad:
Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad can satisfy Ronaldo's high salary while also giving him the league championship he desires most.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad both have powerful lineups and championship-winning capabilities, allowing Ronaldo to increase his chances of winning the league without leaving Saudi Arabia or giving up his high salary.
- Returning to European leagues other than Ligue 1:
European football has a higher competitive level and influence. Although Ronaldo's current state makes it difficult for him to secure a place in top European teams, there are still opportunities in mid-to-lower table teams. (Except for Ligue 1, Ronaldo said that Ligue 1 is not as good as Saudi Arabia. Why would he leave Saudi Arabia for a worse league, and after offending Ligue 1, it is estimated that no French team would want him.)
However, his high salary and age may be obstacles to returning to European teams. But returning to the European league could increase his chances of participating in the 2026 and even 2030 World Cups, which is an option for him.
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Joining Major League Soccer (MLS):
Competing against Messi would undoubtedly be a scene that fans look forward to. Ronaldo can take this opportunity to continue the legendary rivalry while also increasing the attention on MLS, adding new colors to his career. -
Joining Shanghai Port:
This is just wishful thinking, but the Chinese football market has huge potential. If Ronaldo wants to win championships, joining Shanghai Port could bring him a new experience, and winning the Chinese Super League title could also be an option.
Although the Chinese Super League has strict salary restrictions, if Ronaldo joins, the endorsement income he gains could certainly offset the loss from his salary.