Cristiano Ronaldo to mirror Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona’s legacy? Calls grow for historic move after Al-Nassr exit hint
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again sent shockwaves through the soccer world — not with a goal this time, but with a cryptic message that strongly suggests his time in Saudi Arabia is coming to an end. Just ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has ignited a frenzy of speculation about his next move. Among the many rumors, one particularly bold suggestion has gripped South American soccer: a potential move to a club steeped in passion, chaos, and history — a club that once housed two of the greatest ever, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after a controversial departure from Manchester United, appeared to bid farewell to the Saudi club with a message that stopped fans in their tracks. After scoring in the final game of the season, the 39-year-old took to social media and wrote: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
Many have since taken it as a clear signal that his time at Al-Nassr may be up, opening the door to endless speculation about what comes next for one of soccer’s greatest icons.
Rumors swirl, but one club stands out
Though the Portuguese veteran has been linked with various clubs in Mexico and Brazil, a surprising name has emerged from Argentina — a club often caught in political storm clouds but forever powered by an electric fan base: Boca Juniors. The speculation began with former Argentine goalkeeper Jorge D’Alessandro, who passionately advocated for the move on Spanish television.
“It gives me goosebumps… Directing Boca’s attack? Boca needs him. He’s going to the land of Leo Messi, Diego Maradona and Hugo Gatti… imagine that!” D’Alessandro told El Chiringuito.
“Let Riquelme try it, please! I see him more at Boca than at a Brazilian team. He identifies more with a need, also because of his personality, because of the way he plays… That vertigo that Boca has, next to Zenón, next to Merentiel… I’m going crazy!”
D’Alessandro’s words captured the hearts of Boca fans, as they imagined Ronaldo bringing his experience, goals, and star power to La Bombonera — a stadium that thrives on chaos and legend.
Boca’s desperation meets Ronaldo’s legacy
Boca Juniors is currently navigating an institutional crisis, and the resignation of Miguel Ángel Russo from San Lorenzo has stirred hopes of his return to stabilize the club. But D’Alessandro believes Ronaldo could be even more vital — not just to Boca, but to the narrative of soccer itself.
“Boca is truly in an institutional crisis. It is a ship adrift. I think Ronaldo would arrive as a balm for Boca, as well as a chance to improve their soccer level,” he explained further. “And for him, it would mean that Argentina would pay homage to him in the place of the greatest — indirectly Messi, and directly Maradona.”
The idea of Ronaldo playing in the same country where Messi and Maradona carved their legacies is nothing short of poetic. Despite nearing 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner statistics remain staggering: 800 goals in 1,061 club appearances, including a stunning tally of goals during his stint in Saudi Arabia.