Cristiano Ronaldo scoops award after missing out on Best FIFA Men’s Player crown

01 March 2023 , 00:00

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Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a stellar start to life in Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo saw his record of two Best FIFA Men's Player awards matched by long-term rival Lionel Messi on Monday night, but the 38-year-ol picked up a gong of his own elsewhere.

The former Manchester United forward is now plying his trade with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr after his controversial Old Trafford exit just before the World Cup. As expected, Ronaldo is making light work of the Saudi Pro League and has eight goals to his name in just five appearances.

As a result, Ronaldo was awarded wiht the title of Saudi Pro League Player of the Month, which arguably marks his career's decline in recent months given his former Ballon d'Or rival Messi is still winning some of the game's biggest individual honours.

There can be little argument to suggest Messi wasn't a worthy winner, with the Argentine finally winning the World Cup last year and enjoying a stellar 2022 with Paris Saint-Germain that saw him register 17 goals and 24 assists as the French giants won Ligue 1 once again.

While speculation over where Messi will head after PSG is rife, Ronaldo's manager at Al-Nassr, Rudi Garcia, has made some interesting claims regarding the Portuguese icon's own club future.

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"He is one of the best players in the world. He will not finish his career at Al-Nassr, he will return to Europe," Garcia claimed.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the Saudi Pro League player of the month (Getty Images)

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This would certainly come as a shock to many, with most viewing Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia as the final switch of his career and the end of his time operating within football's elite.

Ronaldo seemed to suggest as much with his own assessment during his Al-Nassr unveiling earlier this year.

He said: "I'm a unique player. It's good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here. I'm coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and culture of the country.

"In Europe, my work is done," Ronaldo continued. "I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal.

"Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to have not only football but (to be) part of this amazing country. And for me, it was a challenge."

Ronaldo's current Al-Nassr contract is rumoured to set to run until the summer of 2025.

Josh O'Brien