Cristiano Ronaldo Return to Europe 'Has No Point' — Ex-Middle East Star Explains Why
The debate around the future of Cristiano Ronaldo continues to grow, but former player Paul-Jose M’Poku believes there is no realistic reason for the Portuguese superstar to return to European football from the Saudi Pro League.
Ex-Middle East star explains why Ronaldo won’t return to Europe and predicts futures for Salah and Messi.
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Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after his contract at Manchester United was terminated ahead of the 2022 World Cup. His move to Saudi Arabia came with one of the most lucrative deals in football history, alongside other major names such as Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané.
Despite turning 40 and maintaining elite performance levels—including winning two more Golden Boots—Ronaldo’s future remains a major talking point. He is currently under contract until 2027 and continues to chase domestic success in Saudi Arabia.
However, M’Poku, who previously played in the Middle East and is now involved in the Baller League UK, believes a European return is unlikely.
He stated:
“I don't think he will come back to Europe. And I think there's no point for him to come back to Europe, especially with what he's earning there and how people treat him there.
“When you reach that age, there's things that you don't want anymore. I think he will have a World Cup, probably the last one, and then go back to Saudi. Let's see when he will stop.”
Saudi Arabia Still Central to Ronaldo’s Future
Ronaldo’s influence in Saudi football remains significant both on and off the pitch, and discussions about his long-term future continue as he edges closer to retirement age.
Mohamed Salah’s Potential Saudi Move
Attention also turns to Mohamed Salah, who is approaching the end of his Liverpool deal. M’Poku believes a move to Saudi Arabia is likely.
He said:
“I think Mo Salah will probably go to Saudi.
“I don't know if it's Al-Nassr, but yeah, he will go. But now also the PIF, they're trying to sell the club. So if the owner comes and says, I want to buy Al-Nassr, and this owner buys players, it will be okay.”
Messi and Ronaldo Reunion Doubted in MLS
Speculation has also linked Ronaldo with a potential reunion with long-time rival Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, where Messi currently plays for Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham.
However, M’Poku dismissed the idea:
“I don't think it will happen.
“And for me, I don't know if it's good to see both of them on the same team, because both of them are big stars and either you have to choose one - you are pro-Messi or you are pro-Ronaldo. I don't think it's good for a club to have both of them.”
Football’s GOAT Rivalry Nearing Its Final Chapter
Both Ronaldo and Messi are still expected to feature at the upcoming World Cup and could each reach 1,000 career goals before retirement. For now, their careers continue separately, but speculation about their futures remains one of football’s biggest talking points.
