SUMMARY
- The European Court of Justice's ruling on the European Super League suggests that the 2024-25 season of the Champions League might be its last.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the Champions League, holds numerous impressive records in the competition.
While Cristiano Ronaldo might have left Europe this year, it appears he will continue to rule European soccer. Ronaldo left Manchester United last year and signed with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. However, with the recent European Court of Justice’s ruling on the European Super League, the Champions League is set to be probably scrapped.
According to SPORT, the 2024-25 season of the Champions League might be the competition’s final season. The Super League is reportedly set to kick off from the 2025-26 season. Originally started in 1955 before its rebranding in 1992, the Champions League has been the pinnacle of European soccer. And the man who holds some impressive records in the competition is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
🚨 The 2024/25 season could be the LAST time the UEFA Champions League will be played, before the creation of the Super League from the 2025/26 season.
(Source: @SPORT) pic.twitter.com/3WjMwzm5X4
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 21, 2023
A five-time winner of the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for being the top goalscorer (145 goals) and highest assist provider (42 assists). Moreover, he has the most appearances in UEFA competitions (197) and the Champions League (183). He also is the only player to score in 11 straight Champions League games. Lastly, he’s one of only two players to score in all six of the group-stage matches (via UEFA).
In addition to this, the Portuguese most goals in a Champions League season (17), most finals wins, most Men’s Player of the Year awards (4), and many more. Lionel Messi is the only player who is even close to breaking Ronaldo’s records. However, with the Argentine skipper leaving Europe for Inter Miami this year, Ronaldo’s records will probably remain unbreakable.
Cristiano Ronaldo has no qualms about not returning to Europe
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has already made up his mind about his potential future, if any, in European soccer. In the initial weeks of Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, there were rumors of the Portuguese ace returning to Europe on loan. However, Ronaldo’s intentions are clear; the former Manchester United star doesn’t want to return to Europe.
Ronaldo previously claimed that the level of European soccer has degraded since he left in 2022. He said, “I’m 100% sure I won’t return to any European club. I am 38 years old.” He further stated that only the Premier League has continued to maintain its high-level quality and competitiveness.
🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo: “There is a great regret that I did not come to Al-Nassr Saudi Club earlier. But I am very happy now and I will give Al-Nassr twice what I gave in Europe.” 🇸🇦🙌 pic.twitter.com/GzQXdA25do
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 12, 2023
He even went to the extent of claiming that the Saudi Pro League is better than some European soccer leagues. Most recently, the 38-year-old admitted that he regrets not coming to Al-Nassr earlier. However, Ronaldo promised the Al-Nassr supporters that he’s willing to give twice the effort at his current club as he did in Europe.
