CR7 to Al-Nassr: A look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s career in European club football

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best footballers to have ever played the game, is possibly bidding adieu to European football with his signing with Al-Nassr FC, the Saudi Arabian football club. He has spent nearly two decades at the top of his game, a prime example of what practice and determination can achieve.

Now that age and circumstances have caught up to him, it is the right time to take a look at his time in Europe, through his journeys at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United again:

Sporting Lisbon

Ronaldo spent only the 2002-03 season at his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon, after graduating from their B team. He played a total of 31 matches for the club, scoring five goals.

Also Read| Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr FC

Manchester United (Part 1)

After his fiery performance in a friendly against Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, Ronaldo was brought into the club to replace the outgoing David Beckham and take on his iconic #7 shirt, a number that would go on to become synonymous with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo stayed in United for six season (292 matches, 118 goals), winning three Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, and one Champions League.

Real Madrid

Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million. His stint with Los Blancos turned Ronaldo into an all-time great. He scored 450 goals in 438 appearances for the club, winning four Champions Leagues, two La Ligas, three Club World Cups, and two Copa Del Reys. He also won four Ballon d’Ors during his spell in Madrid.

Also Read| Cristiano Ronaldo signs for Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr FC

Juventus

After the 2017-18 Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world by announcing his departure from Spain. He signed for Juventus and hit the ground running, scoring 21 league goals in his first season with the Old Lady. He ended his career in Italy after scoring 101 goals in 134 games while winning two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, and one Supercopa Italiana.

Manchester United (Part 2)

Ronaldo’s move from Juventus to Manchester United was one of the most storied comebacks in football history, but it ended in a bitter way.  United failed to qualify for the UCL despite Ronaldo scoring 18 goals in his 30 Premier League appearances in 2021-22. In 2022-23, Ronaldo played in 10 league games and scored once.