I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 895: Chapter 8: Old Warriors Never Die, Be a Role Model

”Cristiano Ronaldo!”

When Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty on TV, you could clearly hear the commentator’s excited shout, and Chen Zhong also joined his teammates in applauding the Portuguese.

In this match, Portugal once again won the Nations League title.

In the first half, watching Cristiano Ronaldo, people only felt that this Ballon d’Or winner had completely disappeared from the game.

But in the second half, when the team fell behind, that red figure burst out from the crowd, and with a single cushioned shot sent the ball into the net; nobody knew how many people threw their arms up and shouted, ”Cristiano~”

Old soldiers never die; the Genius can wait.

All those voices of doubt turned into praise in that moment, and people kept lauding Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary talent.

People always want to hear ”young and accomplished” stories, but Cristiano Ronaldo used one shot to tell everyone: I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t rush—this is still our world.

This match also set a record: it was the first time Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a final.

So far in his Portugal National Team career, Cristiano Ronaldo has played in four finals: the 2004 European Cup final, the 2016 European Cup final (came off injured), the 2019 Nations League final, and the 2025 Nations League final; only in the 2004 European Cup did he fail to win the title.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most successful player in the history of the Portugal National Team, full stop.

Beyond the Nations League triumph, fans were also waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo to make a decision this summer. Before the match against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo had already said he was giving up on playing in the FIFA Club World Cup, and at that time many media outlets predicted he would choose to stay at Al-Nassr.

After winning the Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he would stay at Al-Nassr: ”My future basically won’t change. Stay at Al-Nassr? Yes!”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s announcement that he would renew his contract effectively brought an End to the constant speculation about his future. Even before the season had finished, many media outlets were chasing updates on what Cristiano Ronaldo would do next. He hadn’t planned to renew with the club before the season ended, and now by choosing to stay, it also means that Cristiano Ronaldo is very likely to finish his professional career in Saudi Arabia.

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is still delivering highly efficient output; this season he also won the Golden Boot in the Saudi league, though the team once again missed out on the league title.

Having gone two and a half years in Saudi Arabia without a championship, Cristiano Ronaldo has been less than satisfied with the club’s strength. Multiple media reports say he has requested that Al-Nassr change head coach and adjust the current squad to ensure the team has the capacity to compete for titles. With Al-Nassr’s current strength, if they want to fight for the championship, there is still room to reinforce the back line and midfield.

Given the current situation, Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to stay at the club will likely keep his existing salary structure intact; even if there are adjustments, there won’t be major changes.

Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid player in World Football, with a total annual package of around 200 million Euro, and after renewal he will very likely maintain that level.

As for the length of the extension, media speculation is that Cristiano Ronaldo is very likely to sign a ”1+1 contract” with the club; while ensuring he can maintain his form for the World Cup, the club also needs to keep a priority option to renew with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has already entered its final stage, and his sights are set on next year’s World Cup. If he can win the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s professional career would complete the full Grand Slam, with no weak spots in terms of honors.

Moreover, if Cristiano Ronaldo’s career lasts another two years, given his current state, he is very likely to hit his career goal of 1,000 goals.

But that target will definitely have to make way for the World Cup—that has always been Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream. Hopefully, at next year’s World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo can finally see that dream come true.

...

Cristiano Ronaldo called Chen Zhong, and the two of them caught up for a bit on the phone before he said he hoped Chen Zhong would consider going to Saudi Arabia to play.

The package Saudi Arabia offered Chen Zhong was also a contract worth more than 200 million Euro per year, and with add-ons it was even higher than Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal.

That is an extremely tempting number.

And that was just on the player side; at club level, the Saudi side also put forward a very sincere offer.

If Cristiano Ronaldo eventually retires, then Chen Zhong would be the most suitable man to take over. After all, by then Chen Zhong would also be 35–36 years old, and his arrival could very well help the Saudi league create new glory in Asia.

You have to know, Chen Zhong has no shortage of fans in Asia.