Cristiano Ronaldo: They said I was crazy to move to Saudi Arabia, now everyone knows I was right

He says he feels at home in Saudi Arabia, praising its safety, ambition and global vision

Last updated:
Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor
2 MIN READ
Cristiano Ronaldo: They said I was crazy to move to Saudi Arabia, now everyone knows I was right
AFP

Dubai: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has said that when he first decided to move to Saudi Arabia, many thought he was “crazy”, but time has proved otherwise.

Speaking at the TOURISE Global Summit 2025 in Riyad, the Al Nassr captain said he knew from the start that his “crazy” decision was “a good kind of crazy” because he believed in the country’s vision and potential.

“I feel like a Saudi now,” Ronaldo told the audience, adding that he has been keen to contribute across different sectors beyond football. “Everyone now realises I was right.”

He expressed his admiration for AlUla and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea project, saying he hopes to be part of the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation. “Saudi Arabia is a wonderful country to live in because of its peace and safety,” he added.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a free transfer in 2022 after leaving Manchester United, scoring 99 goals in all competitions since. In June, he renewed his contract until 2027 — beyond his 42nd birthday — stating that he plans to live in Saudi Arabia for the rest of his life.

“My family supports my decisions, and we are very happy here,” he said, adding: “People in Saudi Arabia treat us wonderfully, and we want to stay and build our lives here.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reaffirmed his ambition to win major titles with Al Nassr, adding that the Saudi Pro League is now among the world’s top five competitions. “The 2034 World Cup,” he said confidently, “will be the best in history.”

Khitam Al Amir
Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor
With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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