Cristiano Ronaldo, a multiple Champions League winner and five-time Ballon d'or winner, has decided to play in Al-Nassr after a long career in Europe. What stadium does the Portuguese currently play in? What is Ronaldo's favourite stadium and where did he play before?

Where is Ronaldo playing now?

Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, a club that was founded in 1955 and is based in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. The club competes in the country's top division, the Saudi Professional League (SPL). The Al-Nassr team's current stadium is Al-Awwal Park, which has a capacity of about 25,000 spectators. Ronaldo joined the Al-Nassr club in early 2023.

How did the construction of the Ronaldo stadium proceed?

Construction work on the King Saud University campus began in the spring of 2011 and was originally scheduled to be completed in 24 months. But, although structurally the stadium was ready as early as 2014, it did not open until May 2015.

All design and construction work was contracted to Hashem Contracting Company, which delivered a stadium that met specifications (and FIFA requirements for international matches) at a budget of about 215 million riyals.

© Roshn Saudi League

What does the stadium where Ronaldo plays look like?

Structurally simple stands were built largely on cast-in-place concrete, supplemented by prefabricated footings. From the outside, the stadium is also very simple, with an almost uniform metallic coating in shades of gold/brown. The single-level stands have a layout that is standard for football stadiums, though still rare in Saudi Arabia. Above the crown of the auditorium are rhythmic reinforced concrete ribs, on which rests a thin steel roof truss.

The sheathing protects only about half of the auditorium. Shelter from rain is not necessary in Riyadh, however, while the smaller extent of the roof allows for better lighting of the pitch. Only the main stand distinguishes itself from the others. It is dominated by a luxurious VIP area and a finely curved canopy.

What league does Cristiano Ronaldo play in?

The Saudi Pro League, known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons, is the highest football league in the Saudi league system. The league's first season was the 1976-77 season, and it operated as a tournament from its inaugural campaign until the 1989-90 season, after which the Saudi Federation decided to combine the football league with the King's Cup into one tournament and add the Golden Box. The Golden Box was a cup tournament played at the end of the season between the top four teams of the regular season. These teams played in the semifinal stage to determine Saudi Arabia's champions. The league returned to this system in the 2007-08 season.

Starting in 2023, the league gained international exposure by attracting many top players from European leagues through financially lucrative contracts, instantly becoming a competition full of stars. The National Public Investment Fund took a 75% stake in four founding members (Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr) that same year as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program.

Where did Ronaldo play before Al-Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the biggest stars in world football, had the opportunity to play in many prestigious stadiums in Europe during his club career.

Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting CP, and Jose Alvalade Stadium was the venue where the Portuguese took his first steps in senior football. After moving to Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo became one of the key players of the "Red Devils." Old Trafford, nicknamed the "Theater of Dreams," became a real arena of success for him. It was here that he won the English championship and triumphed in the Champions League.

In 2009, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid for a then-record sum. Santiago Bernabéu became the site of many triumphs for him, including four Champions League victories. At this stadium, Ronaldo became the top scorer in the club's history. After his years in Madrid, Ronaldo decided to take on a new challenge at Juventus Turin. Allianz Stadium became a new arena for him, where he continued his shooting streak, winning more trophies on Italian soil.

© Greater Manchester Police

Which stadium is Cristiano Ronaldo's favorite?

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star, has repeatedly stressed the importance of Manchester United in his brilliant career. However, when asked about his favorite stadium, Ronaldo chose Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. This Madrid stadium, home to Real Madrid, is where Ronaldo spent many years of his career and where he achieved many of his greatest successes.

Santiago Bernabeu has not only become the site of many triumphs for him, but also a place that has provided him with many unforgettable moments and experiences on the pitch. Choosing this stadium as his favorite underscores the deep bond Ronaldo feels with Real Madrid fans and the club itself.

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