Cristiano Ronaldo ready to sign for Champions League club after the World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal after the match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
(Image credit: Richard Sellers/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo favours a move to a Champions League side over the offer he has from Saudi Arabia.

The 37-year-old was dropped by Portugal manager Fernando Santos for the emphatic 6-1 win against Switzerland in the last-16 of the World Cup. In his absence, Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos stepped up to score a hat-trick and become the youngest player since Pele to net one in a tournament. 

Ronaldo still believes, however, that having a solid competition with his country will hold him in good stead for a move to a side in the Champions League, where he will have the opportunity to stretch his record as the all-time top scorer in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo to move to Champions League side

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal against South Korea at the World Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Piers Morgan, who interviewed Ronaldo recently, Ronaldo isn't bothered by money and instead would want to join a Champions League side to play at the highest level. 

“He thinks that if he does well at this World Cup, he’ll get what he really wants, which is a club in the Champions League that extends his record and his legacy,” Morgan told the Telegraph

“It’s not about money at this stage of his career. It comes down to a burning desire to play football at the highest level, to break records and win trophies. And he has done that in more countries than any other player in history.”

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prior to the Group H - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between Portugal and Ghana at the Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar

Cristiano Ronaldo prefers to stay in Europe than move to the Middle East permanently (Image credit: Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Saudi side Al Nassr have an offer on the table waiting for Ronaldo, should he choose to leave Europe. 

“€200m per year until 2025, but including sponsor deals,” Romano said. “Documents are being checked. 

“There’s still nothing signed, agreed or approved by Cristiano. Focus is on the World Cup.”

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.