Cristiano Ronaldo has emphatically declared his deep connection to Saudi Arabia, stating his belief in the nation’s ambitious future, particularly within the realm of football. The Portuguese superstar, who plays for Al-Nassr, conveyed a strong sense of belonging, suggesting he considers himself ‘Saudi’ after nearly three years in the Kingdom.
Speaking at the ‘Torays 2025’ forum in Riyadh, Ronaldo affirmed the wisdom of his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the success of his experience. He expressed admiration for the large-scale development projects underway, specifically mentioning his fascination with Al-Ula and the Red Sea Project, and voiced his desire to be involved in these ambitious ventures.
Ronaldo previously stated his intention to potentially live in Saudi Arabia for the rest of his life, a significant factor in his contract renewal with Al-Nassr until 2027, extending beyond his 42nd birthday. He joined Al-Nassr in 2022 following his departure from Manchester United, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal. Since then, he has scored an impressive 99 goals across all competitions.
In a video released by his club, Ronaldo shared that his family is happy and feels incredibly welcomed by the Saudi people, further solidifying his desire for permanent residency. He emphasized his unwavering goal of winning major titles with Al-Nassr and expressed his confidence in the team’s future success.
‘I believe the Saudi League is already among the top five leagues in the world,’ Ronaldo stated, highlighting the rapidly growing stature of Saudi Arabian football. He also expressed his strong conviction that the 2034 World Cup, to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, will be the most spectacular in history. Ronaldo’s comments underscore the increasing appeal and global significance of Saudi Arabia as a sporting and cultural hub.
