“Not about Money—It’s about Legacy and a Bigger Cake” — Ronaldo

As far back in 2022, the football world feared Cristiano Ronaldo was done after the Portuguese icon fell out with former club Manchester United only to end up in the Middle East, away from the big leagues.

However, it turned out Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey from Europe to the Arab peninsula of Saudi Arabia to play his trade with Al Nassr, was nothing more than boosting the CR7 brand in a mildly quiet transfer.

Leaving behind the glitz of Manchester, Madrid, and Turin, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner swapped familiar territory for a bold new chapter in Riyadh.

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Many questioned the move, including his critics who speculated it was all about the paycheck. Ronaldo, however insists his motivations are far deeper—about family, legacy, and reshaping the game.

In Netflix’s latest documentary Saudi Pro League: Kickoff, Ronaldo sheds light on his family’s initial struggles with adapting to life in the Middle East. “In the beginning, everything was not easy,” he admits, referencing the cultural shift and his children occasionally longing for Europe.

Yet, the 38-year-old forward emphasizes the warm embrace of Saudi culture:

“The Saudi people are very friendly. They want to give back, just like me.”

Far from chasing a hefty payday, Ronaldo revealed his true intentions:

“I’m here to win. To win trophies, to make Al Nassr better, to make the Saudi Pro League better, to change the culture. I want to leave a legacy.”

And legacy he is building. From his on-field exploits to his off-field influence, Ronaldo’s arrival has elevated the league’s profile globally. His partnership with Al Nassr isn’t just a player-club dynamic but part of a bigger vision.

“We’re all working for a big cake—Netflix, Saudi, everyone. It’s a win-win,” he quipped.

Now in his third season with Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s commitment to his Saudi adventure has solidified.

“I’m happy here. This country feels good for me and my family,” he said. Eyeing retirement at Al Nassr, he envisions closing his illustrious career in the Gulf, marking a sharp contrast to the typical twilight years of European stars.

For Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League isn’t just a lucrative pitstop—it’s the stage for his final act, where he hopes to prove that even legends can redefine their legacies in uncharted territories.