Cristiano Ronaldo told a Riyadh audience that those who called his move to Saudi Arabia “crazy” were wrong, and that he now “feels like a Saudi.” He praised the kingdom’s safety, tourism projects such as AlUla and the Red Sea developments, and said he hopes to be part of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
The move they called 'Crazy'
When football icon Cristiano Ronaldo decided to join Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the global reaction was one of skepticism. Now, Ronaldo says time has validated his choice. He revealed the reaction he received, stating frankly, "They said I was crazy to move to Saudi Arabia, now everyone knows I was right."
Ronaldo always knew his decision was the correct one. He explained his mindset at the time, clarifying, "When I moved to Saudi Arabia, they all called me crazy, but I think I'm a good crazy." His belief in the larger vision for the country and its football passion was key. Today, he feels vindicated, saying, "Everyone now realises I was right."
'I consider myself Saudi'
Ronaldo’s life in the Kingdom has moved far beyond the football pitch, leading to a deep personal connection. The star has publicly stated a profound sense of belonging, declaring, "I feel like a Saudi now." He expanded on this sentiment, telling the world, "I consider myself Saudi and love being in the Kingdom."
When asked about his lifestyle, he spoke highly of the environment, noting, "Saudi Arabia is a wonderful country to live in because of its peace and safety." For his family, the move has been a success as well. "My family supports my decisions, and we are very happy here," he shared, adding that their future plans are permanent: "We want to stay and build our lives here."
Ronaldo's 'Crazy' decision
Back in December 2022, football fans around the world gasped when Cristiano Ronaldo, freshly parted ways with Manchester United, announced he would be joining Al-Nassr FC in Riyadh.
Many pundits saw it as the end of an era: a global icon leaving Europe’s elite leagues for an untested stage. Critics called it “career suicide.” But Ronaldo framed it differently. He said he wanted a bold new challenge, to build something meaningful from the ground up and to be part of football’s rapid growth in a region with ambition and vision.
His record-breaking contract, reportedly worth more than €200 million per year, was one of the biggest in sports history. But Ronaldo insisted it wasn’t about the money, it was about vision, challenge, and influence. He spoke about helping shape the Saudi Pro League’s rise, mentoring younger players, and even participating in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation.
Within weeks of his arrival, stadiums sold out, jerseys flew off shelves, and the Pro League’s global streaming numbers surged. What was mocked as “a retirement move” began looking more like a global marketing masterstroke.
'Best World Cup ever' - FIFA 2034
Ronaldo's vision for Saudi Arabia extends far beyond his playing days, centering on the nation’s biggest sporting ambition: hosting the FIFA World Cup.
His bold prediction that the "2034 World Cup will be the best in history" has now been backed by FIFA. Saudi Arabia was formally confirmed as the host nation by FIFA in December 2024 after an uncontested bidding process.
This historic event will see the Kingdom host the first-ever 48-team World Cup staged by a single country.
The Blueprint for a Global Spectacle, the entire tournament is central to the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 framework.
The bid, themed "Growing.
Together," promises a revolutionary event built on state-of-the-art infrastructure:
- Host Cities: The action will be spread across five dynamic cities: the capital Riyadh, the coastal hub Jeddah, Al Khobar, the mountain resort of Abha, and the futuristic megacity of NEOM
- Venues: Plans include 15 proposed stadiums, combining renovations and new architectural gems.
- Center Stage: The massive, newly planned King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh is set to host both the highly anticipated opening match and the final.
With Ronaldo already serving as the face of the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, he is perfectly positioned to fulfill his desire to be an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, ensuring his legacy helps shape a new era of global football.
Final take
Ronaldo’s gamble paid off. What began as a doubted decision is now being studied as a blueprint for athlete influence. His move gave the Saudi Pro League momentum, global attention, and legitimacy. For Ronaldo himself, it’s a legacy move, one that extends beyond trophies to cultural impact. Whether or not he plays until 2034, his imprint on Saudi football and lifestyle is undeniable.