Cristiano Ronaldo announces plan to follow in footsteps of David Beckham
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Cristiano Ronaldo says he plans to buy a football club when he eventually calls time on his storied playing career. Ronaldo is 39 years old and will turn 40 in February but has no plans to hang up his boots just yet. The Portuguese forward is still banging in goals for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he has been since his contentious second exit from Manchester United two years ago.
The veteran passed 900 career goals earlier this season and is planning to keep going until he racks up 1,000. But one day, Ronaldo will have to consider a career that doesn’t involve playing football – and speculation over his next step has been rife.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was named Best Middle East player of 2024, Ronaldo offered a glimpse into his plans for the future. “I'm not a coach. I'm never going to be a coach, president of the club? No. Maybe owner of the club,” he said.
Asked if he could become a club owner, Ronaldo replied: “Probably. I will see. It will depend on the moment, the right opportunities.” Pressed on whether he had any particular clubs in mind Ronaldo said: “Not yet, a few maybe.”. Speaking later on in the ceremony when asked about United’s owners, the Glazer family, he added: “If I will be the owner of the club, I will make the things clear and adjust what I think is bad there. I am still very young, I have so many plans and dreams ahead. Mark my words, I will be an owner of a big club. For sure.”.
While a route into management is more common for ex-players, club ownership isn’t unheard of, with David Beckham among the owners of Inter Miami, where Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi plays. That is all in the future for Ronaldo for now, with more goals the current aim.
