At Cristiano Ronaldo’s request: the Portuguese star would be pushing for Al-Nassr to sign Antonio Rüdiger

Cristiano Ronaldo’s form has been nothing short of phenomenal during his three-year tenure at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese striker recently reached the 100-goal milestone with the Saudi side and is steadily closing in on the historic 1,000-goal mark as a professional—a feat never before achieved in football history. At nearly 41 years old, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner remains as relevant as ever, but his focus isn't just on individual glory. Ronaldo is now reportedly pushing the club's board to secure the signing of Real Madrid powerhouse Antonio Rüdiger for this winter transfer window.

A Duel Turned Respect: Why Rüdiger?

Ronaldo’s interest in bringing Rüdiger to Al-Nassr stems from their multiple high-stakes encounters on the international stage, specifically when Portugal faced Germany in the Euro and the UEFA Nations League. CR7 has witnessed firsthand the elite quality of the 32-year-old defender, who has been a multi-champion with the Spanish giants and stands as one of the most experienced leaders in Xabi Alonso’s current squad. Given the context, a move to Riyadh during this or the next transfer window is far from far-fetched.

The Contract Situation: A Potential Bargain?

While Rüdiger’s current market value sits around €12 million—a figure Al-Nassr could easily cover—his contractual status is the real key. The German international’s deal with Real Madrid expires in June 2026. If negotiations for an extension remain stalled, Rüdiger could potentially leave as a free agent for Saudi Arabia after the World Cup. This scenario would significantly smooth the path for his arrival, regardless of Ronaldo's personal request.

It is no secret that Cristiano’s voice carries immense weight within the Al-Nassr hierarchy. Under his guidance and influence, the club has already successfully recruited top-tier talents such as Sadio Mané, João Félix, Íñigo Martínez, and Aymeric Laporte. Ronaldo is fully aware of his dual role—dominating on the pitch while helping transform the club into the most dominant force in both Saudi Arabia and Asia.

As of now, neither Al-Nassr nor Rüdiger have made an official statement. The defender is reportedly focused on finishing the season strong with Real Madrid, as the club remains in contention for a historic sweep of LaLiga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, if a new deal in Madrid doesn't materialize shortly, Al-Nassr stands as a formidable alternative on the horizon. His potential arrival would represent another strategic masterstroke for the Saudi Pro League, adding an elite defender to one of the most ambitious sporting projects in the region.