Has Cristiano Ronaldo’s Move To Saudi Arabia Damaged His Legacy?

‎When Cristiano Ronaldo announced his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in December 2022, the football world was taken aback.

‎His decision to leave the competitive landscapes of Europe and join a league often considered secondary in global stature sparked heated debates. Elevating the Saudi league was a point Ronaldo himself emphasized, but many questioned whether such a move was driven by ambition or simply a lucrative retirement for one of football’s greatest icons.

‎The Context Behind the Move

‎Ronaldo’s departure from European football was explained as a desire for a new challenge after achieving everything there was to win in Europe.

‎”In Europe, my work is done; I won everything, I played at the most important clubs in Europe, and for me now, it’s a new challenge,” the Portuguese footballing legend said at the time.

‎”This is a great opportunity. Nobody knows this, but I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, in Australia, in the US, and even in Portugal.

‎”Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club to develop not only the football but other parts of this amazing country.”

‎Yet, beyond personal motivation, the move had profound implications. Ronaldo’s arrival signaled a shift in perception Saudi Arabia was positioning itself as an emerging destination for football stars, with its wallet open and ambitions high.

‎Impact on the League and Player Recruitment

‎Since Ronaldo’s arrival, the Saudi Pro League has indeed become more star-studded.

‎Big names like Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, Yannick Carrasco, Fabinho, Jhon Duran, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and Karim Benzema have all headed to the Middle East. While the quality of football has improved in terms of recruitment and professionalism, the league still lags behind the elite European competitions, and the level of top-tier football remains somewhat aspirational.

‎This influx has transformed perception, but the league continues balancing its ambitions with reality. It remains a work in progress, trying to establish itself as a serious competitor on the world stage.

‎Ronaldo’s Personal Performance and Contributions

‎From a personal standpoint, Ronaldo has delivered impressive statistics.

‎Over approximately two and a half seasons with Al Nassr, he has scored 72 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 games a remarkable feat for a 40-year-old. His shooting accuracy (62.9%) and pass completion rate (75.5%) reflect his continued professionalism and sharpness, especially considering the decline most players face with age.

‎Defensively, Ronaldo’s contributions are limited a fact consistent with his style and strengths. His tackling stats of six wins out of 16 attempts are not surprising, nor should they detract from his primary role as a goal scorer and leader.

‎The Missing Piece: Trophies

‎Despite his individual brilliance, Ronaldo’s tenure at Al Nassr has yet to secure the league title. Al Hilal, historically the dominant force in Saudi football, has largely maintained its dominance, though recent shifts have seen Al Ittihad, led by Karim Benzema, leap to the top of the standings.

‎At the time of writing, Al Ittihad leads with 68 points, with Al Nassr trailing and still vying for the title an outside chance that hinges on upcoming results.

‎The ultimate measure of Ronaldo’s impact, however, goes beyond individual stats. While he has broken records such as the most goals scored in a single SPL campaign the club’s trophy cabinet remains sparse.

‎They have not claimed the Saudi Pro League title since 2018-19, long before Ronaldo’s arrival, and have failed in key competitions like the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup.

‎Their victory in the Arab Club Champions Cup, thanks to Ronaldo’s two goals in the final, was a silver lining. He also claimed the tournament’s Golden Boot, but such achievements, while commendable, don’t fully define a lasting legacy.

‎Beyond Individual Brilliance

‎Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status is cemented by his contributions to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Portugal. His goal-scoring records, trophies, and influence on and off the pitch have left an indelible mark on global football.

‎However, for his legacy in Saudi Arabia and beyond, the bar is higher. Success in a new league isn’t solely measured by personal accolades or breaking records; it’s about team trophies, regional dominance, and legacy-building.

‎So far, Al Nassr’s lack of a league title and limited success in continental competition suggest that Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia might be viewed as a missed opportunity to reshape the region’s football landscape truly.