I Am Saudi Now: Ronaldo Embraces a New Home and a Bold Vision for His Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star and captain of Al Nassr, praised his experience in the Saudi Pro League during his participation at the Riyadh World Tourism Forum organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

During his remarks at the tourism forum, Ronaldo said Saudi football has shown significant progress in recent years and that he now considers himself Saudi, feeling a strong sense of belonging to the kingdom.

He noted, quoting himself, that "we humans don’t want anyone to be better than us, but I hope my children are better than me, and I would never feel envy toward them."

He added: "What I want is that they be happy, whether they choose football or another sport."

The star emphasized that his children know their father is always with them; he believes he will be in the history books as one of the world’s best players, but what matters most is being remembered as someone inspiring, professional, and hardworking.

Ronaldo continued that he wants to show future generations in him a man who relentlessly pursues great things and remains kind, as these are the foundations of lifelong success.

He said life is not easy and that he will spend another year away from his family; tomorrow is his daughter’s birthday, yet he is with the national team as part of his professional life.

Ronaldo: I am Saudi

The forward expressed happiness about being in Saudi and playing in the Saudi Pro League, noting that he is currently with the national team preparing for qualifiers and that everything is going well. He added that everyone knows Ronaldo, having moved to Saudi Arabia three years ago.

He affirmed his belief in the Saudi project, in football, and in the Pro League’s substantial potential in both the present and the future.

Ronaldo also said: "The passion of the Saudi people for football is incredible. Tourism is very important to me, and I have seen substantial growth in recent years, and I am contributing to that development."

He stressed: "As I always tell Saudis: I am one of you… I am a Saudi man."

World Cup host in 2034

Discussing the 2034 World Cup hosting, the Madira-born star said: "I am Portuguese, and the World Cup will be hosted in 2030 here in Portugal, but in 2034 it will be in Saudi Arabia. As I’ve said before, I belong to Saudi now; it’s a country I keep close to my heart."

He added he wants to be part of this remarkable project and that people can always count on him to support football, help develop it, and assist new generations in loving this wonderful sport.

Ronaldo also spoke about his affection for the Red Sea, noting he has a home there and that the place brings him peace. He said his family is happy vacationing there and that the region offers many beautiful spots beyond a few well-known cities.

Retirement timing and the World Cup dreams

When asked about retirement, Ronaldo replied: "When I said retirement would be near, I meant within one or two years. I’m having a wonderful period now, scoring goals and still feeling speed and sharpness. But truthfully, at this stage the countdown starts in months."

He added: "When you reach a certain age in football, the months fly by. I enjoy what I’m doing for the national team and for Al Nassr, but I know the end is approaching."

He concluded: "My ultimate goal is to feature in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; that will likely be my last tournament as I will be 41 then. I’ve given everything to football over 25 years and will be proud and enjoy whatever remains."

He joked: "I won’t retire now, but perhaps after 10 more years."

Little Ronaldo

The star drew attention to his son Cristiano Jr., who plays for Portugal’s under-16 team, saying: "What matters most to me is my son’s happiness, not comparing him to me."

He added: "I hope my children are better than me. I won’t be jealous of them. I want them to be happy, whether they choose football or another sport. The key is to let them live freely without the pressure of my name—that’s a heavy burden."

Ronaldo stated: "My son is from a different generation; he thinks and lives differently. My job as a father is to stand by him and support him in any path he chooses. I will always be his first supporter."

Two punchlines aside, Ronaldo’s leadership style remains simple: keep moving forward, and if the ball won’t come to you, go find it—though perhaps not into a pyramidal dune just to prove a point. And if the bench starts asking for selfies, tell them, I’m the captain—my post-game plan is still longer than the contract.