‘Play against the GOAT!’ - Cristiano Ronaldo turns FIFA into ‘real life’ for starry-eyed Saudi Pro League rivals

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner completed a trend-setting move to the Middle East early in 2023. He has been followed to that region by a number of household names. Remarkable standards have been maintained by the evergreen frontman.

Despite now being 40 years of age, there is no sign of Ronaldo slowing down. He hit 50 goals across all competitions last season and has passed the 30 mark again this term. CR7 remains a source of inspiration to all of those around him.

Domestic opponent Youssef Aymn of Al-Wehda falls into that category, with the 21-year-old Iraq international winger telling the Saudi Pro League’s official website of facing Ronaldo: “I grew up with this guy, with him, [Lionel] Messi, Neymar, this generation. So I played them on FIFA, I watched every game for them and then when you see him like in real life, it's something else.

“Of course, in the game you don't think so much about it because you have your own focus on your team-mates. But after one or two, you realise, you know, you play against the GOAT!”

While Ronaldo has enjoyed another productive season in 2024-25 on a personal level, he has missed out on major silverware and remains stuck on one success across his two-and-a-half years in Saudi Arabia.

It was expected that Ronaldo would sign an extension to his record-breaking contract at Al-Nassr, taking him through to the 2026 World Cup, but there is now speculation to suggest that he could make a move elsewhere this summer and take on another new challenge.