Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, approaching his forties next year, is arguably one of the greatest players to have graced the game of football. Having multiple records to his name, the now 39-year-old currently plays for Saudi PL side Al-Nassr.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner started out his youth career at Portuguese side Andorinha, at the age of seven, later moving on to play for Sporting CP at the age of 12. Ronaldo made his professional debut in 2002 at the age of 17 years, 7 months, and 25 days. He was signed a year later, by Manchester United. He went on to win three consecutive EPL titles and one UCL, and by the age of 23 won his first Ballon d’Or. In six seasons with United, he scored 118 goals.
A flourishing young boy, Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-record transfer fee of €94 million. He went on to cement his status as a Los Blancos legend, forging a brilliant trio with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. He became the club’s all-time top scorer and the UCL top scorer. Moreover, he dominated Europe’s top competition for six years straight, and his trophy haul with Real Madrid includes four UCL’s, two La Liga wins, and numerous other honors.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s overall career stats 🇵🇹👑 pic.twitter.com/yua1nsci1b
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 28, 2024After a brief spell at Juventus from 2018 to 2021, Ronaldo made a fairy tale return to Manchester United. Despite finishing his only full season as the club’s top scorer, his contract was terminated in 2022. He then moved to Al-Nassr in 2023.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo amid retirement rumors and recent struggles?
The future of Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain following recent disappointments with Portugal’s national team at the Euros. At 39 years old, having played his last Euro, he might be considering international retirement.
Despite international struggles and advancing age, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner shows no sign of slowing down. Moving out of Europe in 2023, he ended up at the top of the scoring charts last year with Al-Nassr. He scored 54 goals in 2023, more than any other player in the world. Nevertheless, Ronaldo has faced criticism for his recent performances, leaving his future uncertain.
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023:
• 50 games
• 46 goals
• 12 assists pic.twitter.com/7o0q90WjIx
Moreover, his international career with the Portuguese national side might also be nearing its end, with his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup being in major doubt. Should he decide to retire, he will leave as the all-time leading international goal-scorer with 130 goals.
In case you missed:
ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK57wqugrKyZlruwedGopZqklKR6pK3RnpyrZaSeuqa4yKecZp6ipLpuv8%2Boqa2hnpx6pLyMraZmpZGjsKmx0q2cq2Wlo7a1scNo