Cristiano Ronaldo’s next match is likely to be against Lionel Messi and in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain. The highest-paid footballer in the world is still waiting to make his debut for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the last time that Cristiano Ronaldo was visible at the highest level of football. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will now be featuring for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after his contract with Manchester United was terminated following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized the club.
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The Portuguese superstar is set to become the highest-paid footballer in the history of the world of football as reports suggest that Al Nassr will be paying $200 million in his two-and-a-half contract, with the inclusion of bonus and additional media endorsements.
But what will be Cristiano Ronaldo next match? Find out below:
Cristiano Ronaldo next match: Ronaldo set to make Saudi Arabian debut against Lionel Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to make his Saudi Arabian debut for an exhibition team in a friendly against French champions Paris Saint-Germain in Riyadh even before his official Al Nassr debut. This could result in football fans getting probably one last taste of Messi vs Ronaldo in a professional football match.
Having signed for Al Nassr officially on December 30 after leaving the Premier League and Manchester United, Ronaldo is yet to play his first match for the Saudi Arabian club. The 37-year-old from Portugal missed his new side’s first two matches after he was suspended by the Football Association in England for knocking a phone out of a young fan’s hand following Manchester United’s defeat at Everton in April.
He will also miss the next match against Al Shabab due to this suspension which means that his first appearance on the football field in Saudi Arabia is expected to take place in the friendly against PSG where he will get to square off with his old rival Lionel Messi.
“It (his debut) won’t be with the Al Nassr jersey. It will be a mix between Al Hilal and Al Nassr. As the coach of Al Nassr, I cannot be happy with this match. For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, indeed it is a good thing. But we have a championship game three days later.
“In terms of scheduling, it could have been better thought out. But it’s not a big deal… We are in the lead, we are happy. It is a difficult championship to win, but we intend to do it,” said the head coach of Al Nassr Rudi Garcia.
PSG are yet to confirm their official squad for the friendly in Saudi Arabia. However, according to latest reports, they are set to include superstars like Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. PSG will first fly to Doha in Qatar on January 17 and then make their way towards Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, o play against an all-star XI from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
That match is scheduled to be held at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on January 19.
Cristiano Ronaldo next match for Al Nassr: Full List
January 21, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Ettifaq FC
February 3, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Al-Fateh
February 9, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Al-Taawoun
February 25, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Damac
March 16, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Abha
April 4, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al Adalh
April 9, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al Feiha
April 27,2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al-Raed
May 3, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal
May 9, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al Khaleej
May 15, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al Tai
May 20, 2023 – Al- Nassr vs Al-Shabab
May 26, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq
May 31, 2023 – Al-Nassr vs Al-Fateh
Saudi Super Cup:
Semi-Finals – January 24, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Al-Ittihad Club, 25th January
King’s Cup:
Quarter-Finals -February 12, 2023 – Al-Nassr FC vs Abha Club, 13th March
As mentioned already, Cristiano Ronaldo will also miss Al Nassr’s next game against Al Shabab because of the suspension. As a result, his first opportunity at presenting himself to the supporters and fans of his new club will probably arrive against Ettifaq FC on January 21.
Al Nassr are currently on top of the table in the Saudi Pro League and they will also be competing in two other domestic tournaments in Saudi Arabia – Saudi Super Cup and Kings Cup.
FAQs
Has Cristiano Ronaldo played his final match for Portugal?
After getting benched in the majority of the matches at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, it is still unlikely whether Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from Portugal or whether newly appointed manager Roberto Martinez will continue to count on his services even though he is well past his prime.
When and where will the Saudi Pro League be available to watch in India?
Unfortunately, the Saudi Pro League doesn’t have any official broadcasters in India.
Which clubs have been represented by Cristiano Ronaldo in his career?
Cristiano Ronaldo has played for Sporting CP in Portugal, Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain, Juventus in Italy and will now appear for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
