Cristiano Ronaldo, approaching 40, is the living proof that soccer is not just for the young. While most players wind down their careers, this Portuguese star keeps sharpening his claws in an attempt to reach a goal few in history dare dream of: the mythical 1000th goal.
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Saudi Arabia is big, but what about the league?
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has done what he does best: fill stadiums, make headlines, and, of course, rack up goals. Yet, there's a gap: the Saudi Pro League remains unconquered territory for Ronaldo-a jarring opposite from how he conquered England, Spain, and Italy. For a competitor like him, it is almost like unfinished business.
But Ronaldo is a realist. According to reports from Marca, failure to win the title will not prevent him from trying new paths. It is time to answer, really: where is the new challenge that will relight CR7's fire? It would appear he cannot afford less than a project fitted to his ambition. In addition, the January transfer market happens to be just at the right time for the next move.
What still drives Cristiano Ronaldo?
Money? Sure, it helps, but isn't the main motivator. Earning €200 million annually at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has nothing left to prove financially. His insatiable desire to make history is what has been keeping him going: The 1000th goal, for instance, a milestone few players come anywhere close to.
Beyond that, Ronaldo has always had a knack for knowing where his presence will make the biggest splash. Whether it's joining an up-and-coming team or boosting a league's global visibility, he's a game-changer wherever he goes.
What about after soccer?
Incidentally, Ronaldo has already ruled out a few options once he finally decides to retire from the pitch. Coach? Absolutely not. Club president? No way. Owner? Maybe, but that is left for the future. But for now, his heart is definitely on the pitch. That decision says volumes about the mindset: not wanting to be away from the action. He still wants to be the one shaping destiny with his feet.
Where next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
The possibilities are as numerous as the goals he's scored. A return to Europe is always on the table, especially to leagues like the Premier League or Serie A, where he's already a legend. And the MLS? In the United States, Ronaldo would find fertile ground for his personal brand and a league eager for star power to draw in massive audiences.
Of course, there's always the possibility that he stays in Saudi Arabia. The Pro League is not as powerful as the European ones, but it's on the rise, and Ronaldo may see it as a path to an indelible mark. If Al-Nassr can build a team that wins the league, that might be enough to keep him there.