The future of world soccer goes through Saudi Arabia, and a large part of the responsibility lies with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese, who has become the main reference of the Saudi Pro League since his arrival at Al-Nassr, not only keeps scoring goals... but is also playing a key role as an ambassador and intermediary in bringing new stars to the league.
According to "Defensa Central", Cristiano is making contacts in European soccer with the intention of strengthening Al-Nassr in the coming times. The Portuguese forward knows that his name is still a magnet to convince top-level footballers and is using that influence to persuade world-class players.
Cristiano's plan for 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo isn't only thinking about the present. His idea, according to the aforementioned source, is to prepare an even more competitive Al-Nassr in 2026, a year in which several top footballers finish their contracts in Europe and will be able to freely decide their future. By then, the Portuguese will remain the biggest star in Arab soccer and intends to be surrounded by players with elite experience.
This isn't the first time the Portuguese has acted as a recruiter. His influence in Saudi Arabia is indisputable: he's the highest-paid footballer in history and the main face of the league. His mere presence has already opened the door to multiple signings, and now his next target is directly Real Madrid.
Two unexpected calls
The aforementioned outlet claims that Cristiano Ronaldo has already picked up the phone to personally speak with two players from Real Madrid. These are experienced footballers, internationals, with great prestige in the white locker room and who could strengthen Al-Nassr's defense in the near future. Both finish their contracts in 2026, which would allow them to freely negotiate their departure if they don't renew with the white club.
At Real Madrid, they are aware that the contacts exist, although nothing has been finalized yet. Florentino Pérez keeps the priority of extending the contracts of its key players, but the Saudi temptation is starting to be very present in the minds of many footballers. The economic factor is hard to match and Cristiano Ronaldo knows perfectly how to convince those he has chosen for his plan.
David Alaba and Rüdiger, the chosen ones
The two footballers Cristiano Ronaldo has called are David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger. Both defenders have lost influence at Real Madrid. They have contracts until 2026 and could decide their future starting next January 1. The Portuguese wants to take both center-backs to Al-Nassr, convinced that their experience and defensive leadership would make the Saudi club a serious contender for everything in Asia.
The operation is still far off in terms of timing, but Cristiano Ronaldo's intention is clear. In 2026, Saudi Arabia wants to keep signing stars, and the Portuguese is determined to take two stars from Real Madrid with him.