Even at 40 years previous, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines each on and off the pitch. After receiving one more particular person honor in his homeland — the Globo de Prestigio award on the Portuguese Soccer Gala — the Al-Nassr celebrity made an announcement that has left followers in Saudi Arabia each proud and uneasy.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now getting ready for Portugal’s October World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, overtly mirrored on his future and his timeless love for the nationwide crew. However his phrases carried an surprising twist — one which risked alienating his membership supporters in Riyadh.
As he stood earlier than a packed viewers in Lisbon, Ronaldo admitted that if soccer guidelines allowed it, he’d decide that might change every little thing. The comment, although heartfelt, has been interpreted by many as an indication that his emotional ties to Portugal stay stronger than any membership allegiance, together with his present dedication to Al-Nassr, the place he earns over $230 million per yr and is contracted till 2027.
Ronaldo makes sincere admission – however Al-Nassr followers received’t prefer it
Halfway by way of his speech, Ronaldo’s tone shifted from celebratory to deeply private. Talking about his two-decade-long journey with the Seleção, the ahead made a confession that immediately went viral throughout international media. “I’ve been with the nationwide crew for 22 years; I feel that speaks for itself,” he started. “The eagerness I’ve for carrying the jersey, for successful trophies, for enjoying for the nationwide crew — that’s why I’m nonetheless right here.”
Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo taking part in for the Portuguese Nationwide Group
Then got here the quote that drew audible gasps within the room: “I usually say that if I might, I’d play soccer just for the nationwide crew; I wouldn’t play for every other membership as a result of it’s the end result and the height of a soccer participant.”
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These phrases — “If I might, I’d solely play for the nationwide crew” — have since echoed throughout Portugal and past. They reveal not vanity, however an emotional fact: that after 20 years of breaking information, the veteran’s final success nonetheless comes from representing his nation.
The truth behind the dream
As romantic as his confession sounded, soccer’s governing legal guidelines make it not possible. FIFA rules state that each one gamers eligible for worldwide responsibility have to be underneath an energetic skilled contract. With out a membership, Ronaldo couldn’t compete in official tournaments, even for Portugal.
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In idea, he might signal a symbolic deal purely to take care of eligibility, however such a transfer would require strolling away from a contract that’s made him the primary soccer billionaire, based on Forbes.
