Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Reportedly Set for UCL Invitation for Being Among 'Most Famous Clubs'

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Reportedly Set for UCL Invitation for Being Among 'Most Famous Clubs'

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
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  • The UEFA Champions League remains club football's most prized competition
  • Cristiano Ronaldo left his indelible mark on the tournament with many records
  • The Portuguese star and Al-Nassr could receive an invite to compete in the UCL

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hold significant sway in the realm of football. The Portuguese icon's impact transcends the sport, a fact underscored by his recent move to the Saudi Pro League club, Al-Nassr.

Before moving to the Middle East, the 38-year-old left an indelible mark on European football, dominating the stages in the colours of mighty teams such as Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo, UEFA CHampions LEague
Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al Wehda and Al-Nassr at King Abdul Aziz Sports Stadium. Image: Yasser Bakhsh.
Source: Getty Images

One tournament that the Portuguese star held by the core was the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo, who went on to win the tournament five times with both Real Madrid and Manchester United, developed into one of the best players ever to grace the competition.

Following his transfer to the Middle East in December 2022, the European elite tournament even paid a glowing tribute to one of the greatest players ever to grace its stage.

Interestingly, there are indications that Ronaldo might make a return to the UEFA Champions League, even while playing on a different continent.

Ronaldo to return to the UCL?

According to Saudi Arabian journalist, AlHarbi44 on social media, UEFA are contemplating inviting Ronaldo and Al-Nassr to the 2024/2025 edition of the Champions League.

The rationale behind this proposal is said to be rooted in the Saudi side being recognised as one of the 'three most famous clubs in the world', with a substantial fan base in Europe.

Although UEFA have not officially commented on this development, the likelihood of such an invitation seems plausible, especially given the impending format changes in the upcoming season.

According to a report by Diario AS, the Champions League group stage is set to be replaced, with 36 teams instead competing in a single large league table.

If this format is adopted, the top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while teams positioned ninth to 24th will enter a playoff for the remaining eight spots.

Unfortunately, teams ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from European competition.

These alterations in the format heighten the prospect of Ronaldo's return to the UEFA Champions League stage, creating an intriguing narrative for football fans worldwide.

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Ronaldo receives GOAT accolade

Meanwhile, Sports Brief previously reported on Ronaldo garnering praise for his performances for Al-Nassr, with social media commenters weighing in after the AFC Champions League win.

The veteran forward's significant impact was evident from the outset as he provided a sublime assist to Anderson Talisca, who expertly converted the goal opportunity for the Knights of Najd.

Subsequently, Ronaldo notched two crucial goals in the latter stages of the match in Asia's premier competition, effectively thwarting any potential comeback from the opponents, Al Duhail.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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