Is Cristiano Ronaldo set to retire from Football in England? - Rene Meulensteen triggers discussions

Football fans and pundits alike are buzzing with speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential future move to Wrexham AFC, a League Two club with Hollywood glitz and ambition. Owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham has become a global sensation, thanks to its fairytale rise and the hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham. Could this Welsh underdog team offer a stage for Ronaldo’s final act in football?

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, who worked closely with Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s Old Trafford glory days, recently floated this idea, claiming, “Anything can happen in football.” In an interview with TribalFootball.com, Meulensteen highlighted Wrexham’s unique appeal. He suggested the club’s connection to Hollywood and its growing global brand might align with Ronaldo’s ambitions to expand his influence beyond football.

Ronaldo, 39, is currently enjoying stellar form at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he has tallied 10 goals and three assists in just 15 appearances this season. With his contract at Al Nassr set to expire next summer, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has expressed a desire to continue playing, fueled by a dream to one day share the pitch with his son, Cristiano Jr.

Will Ronaldo leave the Saudi league?

However, Meulensteen’s suggestion adds an intriguing twist. He speculated that Wrexham could provide Ronaldo with not just footballing success, but also a gateway to media and entertainment. “With his profile, maybe he could stretch into Hollywood through the Ryan Reynolds connection,” he mused. “Who knows, he might even become the next James Bond.”

Wrexham’s celebrity-backed ownership has already transformed the club into a global brand, but the idea of Ronaldo playing in League Two might seem far-fetched. The gap between Ronaldo’s elite stature and the level of English football’s fourth tier is significant. Yet, the very mention of his name alongside Wrexham underscores the club’s rising reputation.

For now, Ronaldo seems focused on his exploits in Saudi Arabia, with an extension at Al Nassr a likely scenario. However, Meulensteen’s remarks remind us that in football—and perhaps in life—dreams, no matter how improbable, often have a way of surprising us.