The future of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo with Saudi club Al Nassr remains shrouded in mystery, despite his return to training.
In recent days, Ronaldo sparked widespread controversy after missing the last match against Riyadh in the 20th round of the Saudi League.
Fans of an Argentine club launch a campaign to demand Ronaldo’s signing
This situation prompted fans of the Argentine club River Plate to launch a campaign on social media demanding their club sign Ronaldo.
Fans of the historic Argentine club launched the hashtag “Ronaldo to River” (#CR7aRiver), which quickly became one of the most interactive hashtags, reaching second place nationally in Argentina.
It was mentioned that this idea from River Plate fans comes at a time when the club’s forwards are struggling to score, coupled with the injury to player Sebastián Driussi.
Although this campaign is limited to a mere digital fan wish to complete the deal, many AI-generated images appeared of Ronaldo wearing the River Plate number 7 jersey, along with others of his jersey hanging in the locker room at the Monumental stadium.
These developments were commented on, saying, “It is clear that imagining Ronaldo playing in the Argentine league is unrealistic, but him wearing a River Plate jersey is not entirely out of the question.”
Not the first time
It was pointed out that River Plate’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, attempted to convince Ronaldo last spring to participate with the team in the Club World Cup, something later confirmed by both the player and the coach.
Regarding that, Gallardo said, “In mid-March (2025), in an informal way through a mutual friend, I told him (Ronaldo) we have the Club World Cup, for a player like you, wouldn’t you want to participate?”
He added, “He not only felt appreciated but actually thought about it. However, he later said he needed to prepare for the next season (2025-2026). If he had accepted, it would have happened.”
Gallardo had previously coached Ronaldo in a celebratory match that brought together a team of Al Hilal and Al Nassr stars against Paris Saint-Germain, on the sidelines of the Riyadh Season events in January 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a world-renowned Portuguese professional footballer, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. His cultural significance extends beyond sports, as he is a global icon and brand ambassador whose career has spanned top clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Al Nassr
Al Nassr is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. It is one of the country’s most successful clubs, historically associated with the Al-Ja’far family and known for its passionate fanbase. The club has won numerous Saudi Pro League titles and gained global recognition following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, historically a walled oasis town and the historic seat of the Al Saud dynasty. Its modern transformation began after it was established as the national capital in 1932, accelerating dramatically with the oil boom of the 20th century into a major global metropolis and financial hub.
Saudi League
The Saudi League, officially known as the Saudi Pro League, is the top tier of professional football in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1976. It has grown into a major football competition in Asia and gained significant global attention in 2023 following high-profile signings of international stars, which marked a new chapter in its sporting and commercial history.
River Plate
The Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, commonly known as River Plate, is the home stadium of Club Atlético River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Opened in 1938 and significantly expanded over the decades, it is Argentina’s largest stadium and has hosted major events like the 1978 FIFA World Cup Final. The venue is deeply tied to the history and successes of its namesake football club, one of the country’s most popular and decorated teams.
Argentina
Argentina is a South American nation with a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous traditions, Spanish colonization, and later waves of European immigration. Its history includes declaring independence from Spain in 1816 and experiencing significant political and economic transformations throughout the 20th century. The country is globally renowned for the tango, its passionate football culture, and the vast Pampas grasslands.
Monumental stadium
The Monumental Stadium, officially named Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is the home stadium of the Argentine football club River Plate. It was inaugurated in 1938 and has since been expanded and renovated, becoming one of the largest and most iconic stadiums in South America. It has hosted numerous major sporting events, including the 1978 FIFA World Cup final.
Marcelo Gallardo
Marcelo Gallardo is a highly regarded Argentine football manager and former player, best known for his transformative tenure as head coach of Club Atlético River Plate from 2014 to 2022. Under his leadership, River Plate won numerous international titles, including two Copa Libertadores championships, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most successful managers.
Club World Cup
The Club World Cup is an international men’s football tournament organized by FIFA, contested by the champion clubs from each of the six continental confederations. It was first held in 2000, replacing the Intercontinental Cup, and aims to crown an official world champion at the club level.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1957. It is one of Asia’s most successful clubs, having won numerous domestic and continental titles, including a record number of Saudi Pro League championships and multiple AFC Champions League trophies.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain is a professional football club based in Paris, France, founded in 1970 following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain. It has become one of France’s most successful clubs, winning numerous domestic titles and establishing itself as a major force in European football.
Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season is a large annual entertainment and cultural festival held in Saudi Arabia’s capital, first launched in 2019 as part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and boost tourism. The event transforms the city with concerts, sporting events, culinary experiences, and themed zones, reflecting a significant shift in the kingdom’s social and cultural landscape.
