RIYADH – As the legendary career of Cristiano Ronaldo enters its final chapter, the Portuguese icon is already planning his next move. Currently 40 years old, Ronaldo has reportedly decided to leave Al-Nassr at the end of the 2026 season and his next step could see him move from the pitch to the boardroom.
According to reports from Ben Jacobs and Arieli Pillo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is seriously considering the acquisition of a football club. Ronaldo’s shortlist reportedly includes his boyhood club Sporting CP, as well as Spanish sides Valencia and Getafe.
A Return to Manchester? Perhaps the most sensational prospect is a potential return to Manchester United. Given the astronomical valuation of the Premier League giants, Ronaldo is reportedly looking for a commercial partner to facilitate a minority stake, rather than a full takeover.
Interestingly, sources suggest Ronaldo intends to play for the team he acquires for one final season. This strategic move would serve as a massive marketing catalyst, driving global growth and brand recognition for his new investment.
The Road to 1,000 Goals While his future as an owner takes shape, CR7 remains laser-focused on his primary sporting objective: the 1,000-goal milestone. Currently sitting on 960 career goals, Ronaldo is aiming to reach the historic mark by 2027.
Even after his playing days in Saudi Arabia conclude, he is expected to retain a percentage stake in Al-Nassr, as stipulated in his current contract. As Ronaldo famously stated at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards: “Club owner? Maybe. We’ll see the opportunity.” That moment appears to be arriving sooner than expected.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
