“It doesn't matter where I play” - Cristiano Ronaldo leaves door open for return to Europe after collecting honour at Globe Soccer Awards

Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at a possible return to Europe at the Globe Soccer Awards 2025. He received the Best Middle East Player award at the event in Dubai on Sunday, December 28.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays in the Saudi Pro League, having joined Al-Nassr in January 2023. However, he has achieved great success in multiple European leagues with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus. The 40-year-old hasn't ruled out a possible return to Europe in the future.

At the Globe Soccer Awards 2025, he said (h/t Marca):

"My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going."

Ronaldo also spoke about his desire to reach the 1000-goal mark, becoming the first men's player to reach it. He said:

"I will reach the number (1000 goals) for sure, if no injuries."

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 956 goals for club and country. He scored a brace in Al-Nassr's 3-0 win over Al-Akhdoud at home in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

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When ex-Manchester United coach claimed Cristiano Ronaldo would sacrifice 1000-goal mark for World Cup trophy

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in men's football and men's international football. The 40-year-old has scored 956 goals and is just 44 goals away from the 1000-goal mark. He is also expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Ronaldo has won numerous trophies for club and country, but the World Cup trophy evades him. Former Manchester United coach Renee Meulensteen believes the veteran would sacrifice the 1000-goal mark for the trophy. He said:

"Cristiano Ronaldo would swap his 1000 goals for World Cup glory, I think he would. The World Cup is exceptional. Don't get me wrong, Portugal has exceptionally good players but I tell you what, it's bloody hard to win the World Cup. Just go back to the World Cup final with Argentina and France. "It ended up 3-3 with two exceptional players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, both performing unbelievably. To be honest, Portugal will definitely say, ‘Listen, we've got possibly one of the best squads to go into a World Cup for years,’ but it's a big ask."

Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup, but they were eliminated by Morocco, losing 1-0.

Edited by Aditya Singh