The Unprecedented Ambition of King CR7
Ronaldo, now 41, is aiming for goals that differ from those that defined his early rise to superstardom. At the start of his career, everything revolved around lifting trophies and breaking records.
Those ambitions remain in place today, with Al-Nassr still competing for the Saudi Pro League title and more milestones likely to fall as the road to the 2026 World Cup continues. However, the veteran forward has also earned the freedom to take a more personal approach to his goals.
Can Ronaldo emulate LeBron by playing alongside his son?
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star has openly stated his desire to reach 1,000 official career goals before considering retirement, a landmark he is now rapidly approaching.
Beyond that, Ronaldo is also eager at the idea of sharing the pitch with his son, Cristiano Jr, who turns 16 in June. The teenager has already experienced football across Europe and the Middle East, moving through several academy setups as his father’s career has taken him around the world.
There is growing talk that Al-Nassr could soon elevate him into their senior squad, especially after he has already begun making strides in Portugal’s youth international setup.
While father-son duos competing at elite level are rare in football, the concept has drawn major attention, particularly after NBA legend LeBron James played alongside his son Bronny at the Los Angeles Lakers—something Ronaldo reportedly finds inspiring from a fellow sporting great.
Will Cristiano Jr become a senior star at Al-Nassr?
Asked about what it would mean for Ronaldo to play alongside his son, Saha—his former teammate at Manchester United—told GOAL in an exclusive interview with Wiz Slots: “I do think that it is probably, maybe, easier to do that in football than it is in the NBA because of the amount of players that are allowed to be in that division.
“Having a name like Cristiano, you can have a bit of a say on certain things. I would be very thrilled because that's a dream come true for any parent to have this opportunity, to have his son become a professional. It's already an achievement and that would be the cherry on the cake.
“I'm sure that if this moment arrives, everybody will appreciate it because I think his dedication has shown the right path for his son and that's brilliant to see. It's not because you have been in a wealthy environment with every kind of opportunity that you succeed. So I do think that gives a lot of respect to Junior.”
Transfer talk: Does evergreen Ronaldo have another move in him?
Ronaldo, currently on one of the most lucrative contracts in world football, still has a year remaining at Al-Nassr. That timeline could potentially align with a chance to see Cristiano Jr step into professional football.
There is ongoing speculation that Ronaldo could yet make another move to extend his career into his mid-40s, possibly appearing at another major international tournament. Such a path could even see him outlast long-time rival Lionel Messi, who will be 41 when his contract with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami expires in 2028.
