Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nasr forward, stepped back when a Saudi official reached for a selfie after a tense Saudi league clash. The official tried to place a hand on Ronaldo’s shoulder and snap a quick photo, but the Portuguese veteran pushed the man away and moved on. The match finished with a 1 1 draw, leaving both sides with mixed feelings as the crowd dispersed.
At 37 years old, Ronaldo has been without a club since November 2022 after his Manchester United contract ended abruptly. On January 2 he signed with Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia, agreeing to a deal reported to be worth around 200 million euros per year. Additional bonuses were said to apply for Ronaldo and his family, underscoring the high-profile nature of the move. This signing marked a new chapter for a player who has long been at the center of global football conversations.
In his first season with Al-Nasr, Ronaldo has made 13 league appearances, finding the back of the net 12 times and contributing 2 assists. The club sits in second place in the league standings, a position that reflects both Ronaldo’s influence and the competitive balance of the competition. The field atmosphere has often mirrored the attention Ronaldo attracts, with fanfare and expectations following every match.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was asked about the potential evolution of Ronaldo’s physique after the end of his playing days. He suggested that the player may experience certain changes as he transitions away from the intensity of professional football, though the aim remains to stay fit and competitive for as long as possible. This perspective highlights the ongoing discussion about how top athletes adapt their bodies in the twilight years of elite sport and what that might mean for Ronaldo as his career progresses. Attribution: Reuters