Cristiano Ronaldo sent the footballing world into a frenzy as he officially joined the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s move to the Riyad-based club was possible after his contract with Manchester United was terminated after making controversial statements about the club. As his spell in England was nearing its end, reports stated that the 37-year-old wanted to play in the UEFA Champions League and hence was pushing for a transfer.
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But now with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Can Cristiano Ronaldo finally return to the Champions League? The answer to this question is no as the UEFA Champions League only includes clubs based in the European continent and Great Britain. Whereas, now Ronaldo has a chance to compete in the AFC Champions League which is a continental tournament for Asian and Oceanic clubs.
Unfortunately for Ronaldo, his current club Al-Nassr is out of the AFC Champions League bracket for the 2022-23 season. The Faris Najd will have to win either the Saudi Pro League or the King’s Cup this season to qualify for next year’s Champions League, something Ronaldo will hope to do.
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Al-Nassr is currently second in the league in Saudi Arabia and is two points behind Al-Shabab after 10 games of the 2022-23 season. The Al-Nassr will hope that the introduction of Ronaldo will help them reclaim the title. Their last league title came in the 2018-19 season, which was the ninth time they won the Saudi Pro League. They have also won the King’s Cup on six occasions.