Ronaldo’s Future: A Return to Glory or New Beginnings?

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 27 goals in 54 appearances during his second tenure with Manchester United, which began in 2021. However, his time at Old Trafford turned contentious as he found himself relegated to the bench under manager Erik Ten Hag, whom he described as “disrespectful”.

Now, four years later, the prospect of Ronaldo returning to Manchester United for a third spell looms large. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, he expressed his sadness over the club’s current state, saying, “That’s one of the most important clubs in the world, and a club that I still have in my heart. You have to follow with intelligent people to create a base for the future, as Manchester United did many years ago.”

He lamented the lack of structure at the club, stating, “Manchester United right now, they don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the future because the potential of the club is amazing. It’s one of the most important clubs of the century.”

Michael Carrick’s recent appointment as interim manager suggests that the club may be taking heed of Ronaldo’s observations. Bringing the seasoned Portuguese international back could potentially restore Manchester United to its former glory. The impact of Ronaldo’s mentorship on younger players, such as Benjamin Sesko, who recently signed for £74 million, would be invaluable, should he return to the club.

After winning his fifth Ballon d’Or in December 2017, Ronaldo expressed his desire to retire at Real Madrid. He stated, “I’m happy at Real Madrid and I want to stay and finish my career there if possible.” Despite having left for Juventus the following summer, he has retained a profound emotional connection to the club.

Ronaldo described his time at Real Madrid as the happiest of his career, suggesting that a return to the Bernabeu could be a fitting end to his storied career, particularly as the club navigates a challenging period.

The current star of Madrid, Kylian Mbappe, has often referred to Ronaldo as his idol and has sought advice from him since joining the team. The idea of collaborating with Ronaldo could be a dream scenario for the young forward.

However, signing Ronaldo raises questions about addressing Madrid’s current issues, such as the lack of defensive contributions from forwards like Mbappe. Additionally, Newcastle United, who share ownership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), could be another destination for Ronaldo. Reports indicate that a clause in his contract with Al-Nassr would have allowed him to join Newcastle if they qualified for the Champions League.

Despite missing that opportunity, Newcastle could benefit significantly from a player of Ronaldo’s caliber, especially as they struggle in the Premier League. His signing would not only elevate the team’s profile but also bring considerable expectations.

Another intriguing possibility is a move to Major League Soccer (MLS). Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar suggested that the idea of Ronaldo joining Messi in MLS could be a game-changer, underlining the potential for heightened interest in the league. With David Beckham’s success in attracting Messi, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sought to bring Ronaldo stateside as well.

Ronaldo has expressed a desire to make his mark in new leagues, and while he has remarked that MLS is likely a step down from Saudi Pro League, his presence would undoubtedly elevate its status.

Moreover, there are romantic notions surrounding a potential return to Sporting CP, where he began his career. Ricardo Sa Pinto, a former teammate, described such a move as a beautiful story, while Ronaldo’s mother has voiced her hope for him to return to the club before her passing.

Although Sporting may not be the most prestigious option for Ronaldo, it holds sentimental value. He has unfinished business in Lisbon, and his return could inspire both the team and its supporters.

Nevertheless, it is unlikely that Ronaldo would receive a salary comparable to his current £488,000-per-day contract at Al-Nassr if he returns to Europe. If financial incentives remain a key motivator, staying in Saudi Arabia may be his best option.

The ongoing financial investment in Al-Nassr underscores the competitive landscape of Saudi football, with Al-Hilal leading in transfer expenditures and recently signing Karim Benzema. Speculation suggests another reunion between Ronaldo and Benzema could be on the table, possibly driving Ronaldo to consider a move back to Al-Hilal.

Retirement is also a consideration, although Ronaldo dismissed the idea in a recent interview. He remains focused on contributing to both his club and the national team, stating, “I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all.”

With just 39 goals to reach the monumental milestone of 1,000 career goals, the prospect of not achieving this mark weighs heavily on him. Additionally, the allure of winning an elusive World Cup title remains, as Portugal enters the 2026 tournament as one of the favorites.

Although some critics argue that Ronaldo’s presence may hinder the national team’s progress, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez has refuted this, emphasizing Ronaldo’s leadership and goal-scoring ability.

Ronaldo continues to be a significant figure in football, drawing attention and sparking debate over his future. Whether his ongoing career benefits anyone beyond himself remains a topic of discussion.