Cristiano Ronaldo Receives 'Extraordinary and Wonderful' Offer to Return to Europe
UD Almería coach Rubi has enthusiastically expressed the club's openness to potentially signing Cristiano Ronaldo as a player following the Portuguese icon's announcement as a part-owner of the Spanish team.
Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in Almería this week as part of his comprehensive planning for life after retirement. Nevertheless, Rubi would certainly welcome the opportunity to work with a player who has netted 965 career goals.
"It would be amazing and fantastic if he could join us on the pitch, but that decision rests with him," the former Real Betis manager commented following confirmation of Ronaldo's co-ownership. "This is his team now and, should he wish to continue playing, any coach would welcome him with enthusiasm. I'm certain of that."
"We are thrilled," Rubi continued. "Naturally, we embrace his arrival. I believe it's fantastic news because someone of his caliber, with complete understanding of sport and football, can benefit a club like ours.
"It's incredibly exciting for the entire organization and the city. You're aware of Cristiano's strong relationship with the owners. One discovers certain things, but I don't think it matters when I learned about it. What matters is that he's joining us here. We are delighted."
When Could Ronaldo Play for Almería?
When Could Ronaldo Play for Almería?
If this announcement had come several weeks ago, the possibility of Ronaldo's move to southern Spain might have seemed more realistic. However, the significant dispute between Al Nassr's captain and the club's ownership, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), appears to have subsided.
Ronaldo's supporters within the board have regained their authority and the veteran striker has returned to the starting eleven—despite this weekend's 3–1 victory over Al Fayha being secured despite his missed penalty.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo has recently reaffirmed his dedication to the Kingdom, stating that he "belongs to Saudi Arabia." "It's a nation that has embraced me warmly, along with my family and friends," he proclaimed. "I'm content here, I wish to remain here."
Ronaldo's current lucrative deal at Al Nassr runs until summer 2027, when he will be 42 years old. Almería currently compete in Spain's second division, with only goal difference keeping them from the top two positions that guarantee automatic promotion.
If Almería conclude the season between third and sixth place, they must navigate playoff semifinals and finals for a chance to compete in La Liga next term.
Should Ronaldo join the Andalusian club with them in the top flight in 2027, he would become the second-oldest player to feature in La Liga since the league's establishment in 1929. Players like Joaquín, Pepe Reina and current Real Oviedo captain Santi Cazorla have all appeared in the division at age 41, but Ronaldo would still fall short of Harry Lowe's record of playing for Real Sociedad in 1935 at 48 years and 226 days.
Ronaldo Could Join Rare List of Player-Owners
Ronaldo Could Join Rare List of Player-Owners
Lowe made his veteran appearance for Real Sociedad while serving as manager of the Basque club. During an era when teams often couldn't afford transportation for substitutes, the English former player was compelled to briefly return from retirement for the journey to Valencia. La Real suffered a 7–1 defeat but Lowe assisted his team's sole goal.
Player-managers have become increasingly rare in contemporary football, yet Ronaldo has the opportunity to accomplish the even more uncommon achievement of being a player-owner.
Former Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is among the few individuals to hold this unique distinction. "To possess a team while simultaneously being a player is uncommon but it will be tremendously exciting," the Ivory Coast star announced after becoming the face of United Soccer League club Phoenix Rising in 2017.
Drogba subsequently scored 16 goals in 26 matches for his emerging franchise, including the winning goal to capture the USL Western Conference. However, Drogba was a year younger than Ronaldo's current age when he was dominating defenses in America's second tier. La Liga presents a vastly different challenge for a player already in his 40s.
Even if Almería remain in the second division, there would still be a significant step up from the Saudi Pro League. Based on Opta's statistical analysis of global professional leagues, Spain's Segunda División ranks as the world's 22nd strongest competition. Ronaldo's current league in Saudi Arabia sits at a distant 37th position.