Imagine a player nearing 40 years old, yet still earning one of the highest salaries in football history - 220 million euros! Is this not a "miracle"? Even more astonishingly, this player's competitive form seems to have not declined due to age. Some people mock, saying "earning sky-high wages while playing 'retirement football'", while die-hard fans firmly declare, "This is the greatest respect for a legend!" Whether it is right or wrong is aside, but this phenomenon is indeed worth pondering: Is Ronaldo's renewal about continuing his legacy, or is it part of a grand plan for the Saudi league?
There is a "truth" in the football world: Players generally decline after 30, and those who can maintain top-level performance at 35 are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. However, Ronaldo is clearly different. This Portuguese star born in 1985 is not only treated exceptionally "gently" by time, but his level of self-discipline is also astonishing.
Many jokingly refer to Ronaldo as the "Iron Man of football." You might not imagine that he lives strictly according to a schedule every day, never indulges in his diet, and trains with unyielding determination. There were teammates who revealed that whether Ronaldo won a cup or was at home on weekends, his schedule was always a cycle of "gym, swimming pool, and training ground." It is precisely this super-strong self-discipline that has allowed Ronaldo's competitive form to "last" several more years than ordinary players.
It is worth mentioning that studies have shown that athletes' muscle activity and endurance do indeed decline with age, but scientific training and dietary management can delay this decline by more than 30%, and Ronaldo is a "living example" of this theory. Back then, when Ronaldo first joined Juventus, his body fat rate was only 7%, even surpassing many of his young teammates in their 20s! To maintain such "peak physical condition" at this age, can you say he is not amazing?
This time, Ronaldo's renewal with Al-Nassr came as a bit of a surprise. After all, when he initially left Europe, many expected him to "return to his roots," rejoining Manchester United or retiring with Sporting Portugal. However, Ronaldo did not seem to choose this traditional path but continued his "Saudi journey." Behind this decision lies profound meaning.
First, let's talk about his competitive performance. So far, Ronaldo has played 48 games for Al-Nassr, scoring 81 goals and contributing 19 assists. These statistics are "mind-blowing" for a 39-year-old player. More importantly, he is not just a "super striker" but has completely revitalized the attention towards the Saudi league. Under his leadership, the team's performance has steadily improved, and the entire league has suddenly become lively - not just the "small-scale excitement" of the East Asian Cup, but a true "entry into the hall of fame."
Next, let's discuss his personal career planning. Ronaldo's decision to stay in Riyadh this time may not just be about money. Some say it's "striking while the iron is hot," others say it's "standing firm at the pinnacle," but there is no doubt that this decision has had an obvious impact on promoting the Saudi league. Al-Nassr did not allow Ronaldo to "retire," but instead became a major force behind the rise of "new stars in international football."
It must be acknowledged that in recent years, the Saudi league has truly been making "big moves." If Ronaldo's joining was like dropping a bombshell in the global football market, then the subsequent signings of superstars like Neymar and Benzema seem to be more than just "testing the waters"; they are part of a "league diplomacy" with long-term vision.
We can see that Saudi Arabia is not only working hard to attract top players but also making significant investments in the sports industry. This is not just about showing local fans a "grand spectacle" but also about exporting the possibility of a "Premier League Story 2.0" to the world. Compared to Ronaldo's win-win situation with Al-Nassr, other top players like Neymar and Benzema, who have gone to play in other leagues, have not yet replicated similar success. Perhaps, Ronaldo's effect as a "pioneer + top idol" is more suitable for Saudi Arabia's current development needs.
On the other side of the story is Messi, who is as famous as Ronaldo. One went to Saudi Arabia, the other to the United States, two paths with completely different styles.
After joining Inter Miami, Messi seamlessly integrated "sports + business + culture." His choice to go to the United States seems to be about showcasing another side to the world: "I am a cultural promoter." In contrast, Ronaldo's decision to stay in Saudi Arabia leans more towards the track of "challenging competition + defining career glory." No wonder some jokingly say, "Messi is like changing guitars, while Ronaldo is still wielding a sledgehammer."
When comparing the two, whose choice is smarter? The answer lies hidden in the future responses from both the field and the market.
In another three years, the 2026 World Cup may be Ronaldo's "final gamble" in his career. Interestingly, whether it's fans or passersby, they all wish to see this Portuguese legend create waves once again. However, speaking of difficulty, it's no joke.
The overall strength of the Portuguese team is unpredictable, and Ronaldo will be approaching 42 years old, which is undoubtedly a desperate battle. But with the expansion of the knockout system, the chances of underdogs causing upsets have decreased, so from this perspective, Portugal may still have the potential to make further breakthroughs. Regardless of the outcome, as long as Ronaldo steps onto the field, it is enough to make countless people shout: Another page in history has been added.
Perhaps Ronaldo's choices do indeed carry commercial factors, and his cooperation with the Saudi league has been controversial. However, it cannot be denied that his definition of the "meaning of his career" has never been merely about winning games. At the age of 40, there are few people willing to actively embrace challenges. Ronaldo's story tells us that true legends always have the courage and resources to reignite the flames of war.