Cristiano Ronaldo, a name synonymous with footballing excellence, continues to grace the pitch even at 39 years old. His enduring career, spanning two decades, has seen him represent iconic clubs from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. After a return stint at Manchester United, the global superstar embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious club journey in 2023, leading many fans to ask: What Team Does Ronaldo Play For now?
Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo showcases his exceptional talent and goal-scoring prowess in the Saudi Pro League. Let’s delve into the details of his current club and explore his journey.
Ronaldo’s Current Club: Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr Football Club in the Saudi Pro League. This move in early 2023 marked a significant shift in the landscape of Saudi Arabian football, bringing one of the greatest players of all time to the burgeoning league.
In his first full season with Al Nassr (2023/24), Ronaldo emphatically demonstrated his enduring quality. He not only became the team’s top scorer but also achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new record for the most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season. This achievement underscores his continued dominance in front of goal, regardless of the league or stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr goal celebration, Saudi Pro League match
Ronaldo’s Contract and Future in Saudi Arabia
Speculation surrounding the length of Ronaldo’s commitment to Al Nassr has been rife. Initial reports from Spanish media outlet Marca suggested a long-term agreement extending until 2030. According to this report, the plan involved Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr for two and a half years, followed by an ambassadorial role to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano corroborated that Ronaldo’s playing contract with Al Nassr runs until 2025. While the precise details of any post-playing role remain unconfirmed, it is clear that Ronaldo’s presence is seen as a major asset to both Al Nassr and Saudi Arabian football as a whole.
Adding to the intrigue about his future, both Ronaldo himself and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have offered playful and somewhat ambiguous hints about his retirement timeline. At the Globe Soccer Awards in early 2024, Ronaldo jokingly suggested he might play for “10 more years,” before laughing and admitting uncertainty. Similarly, a video circulated online where Georgina Rodriguez was overheard mentioning, “One more year for Cristiano and then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”
These comments, while not definitive, indicate that while retirement is on the horizon, Ronaldo’s passion for the game remains strong, and his exact departure date from professional football is still open to speculation.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Club Career History Before Al Nassr
Before joining Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo had already cemented his legacy as a football icon through a series of high-profile moves and record-breaking performances at some of the world’s biggest clubs.
His professional senior career began at Sporting Lisbon in 2002. His talent quickly shone through, leading to a move to Manchester United in 2003 at just 18 years old. At Old Trafford, he blossomed into a global superstar, winning his first Ballon d’Or and numerous trophies.
In 2009, Real Madrid broke the world transfer record to bring Ronaldo to Spain. At Madrid, he reached unprecedented heights, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and winning four more Ballon d’Or awards and four UEFA Champions League titles.
Seeking a new challenge, Ronaldo transferred to Juventus in 2018, continuing his goal-scoring exploits and winning Serie A titles in Italy. A return to Manchester United in 2021 generated huge excitement, and while his second spell was less trophy-laden, he still demonstrated his individual brilliance.
Finally, in 2023, the move to Al Nassr marked the latest chapter in his remarkable career, where he continues to break records and contribute significantly to his team.
| Ronaldo Senior Club Career |
|—|—|
| Years | Team |
| 2002–2003 | Sporting |
| 2003–2009 | Manchester United |
| 2009–2018 | Real Madrid |
| 2018–2021 | Juventus |
| 2021–2022 | Manchester United |
| 2023–Present | Al Nassr |
In conclusion, to answer the question what team does Ronaldo play for, the answer is Al Nassr. He is currently contracted to the Saudi Arabian club, where he continues to perform at a high level, adding to his already legendary career. As fans worldwide follow his journey, the question of how long he will continue to play remains an intriguing aspect of this extraordinary footballer’s ongoing story.
