Renowned football analyst, Ben Jacobs, has made a bold prediction regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, stating that the Portuguese superstar will not depart the club before his contract expires in 2025. Despite this assurance, Jacobs hinted at a potential source of frustration for Ronaldo, suggesting that the constant taunting from Saudi fans with the name of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, may be affecting the player.
Following a recent red card in Al Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final defeat against Al Hilal, Ronaldo is set to sit out a few upcoming matches. Despite his remarkable goal-scoring record, the iconic forward has yet to lift any major trophies during his time with the club, missing out on five potential titles.
Jacobs delved into Ronaldo’s mindset, speculating that the player’s desire to prove himself and maintain his status as a footballing icon may be driving him to continue for another season. The analyst highlighted the significance of the ongoing comparison between Ronaldo and Messi, with opposition fans using Messi’s name as a taunt against the Portuguese star.
The juxtaposition of Messi’s World Cup triumph and Ronaldo’s current stint in Saudi Arabia is posited as a potential source of irritation for the prolific goal-scorer. Jacobs emphasized the psychological impact of this constant comparison on Ronaldo, suggesting that it may be fueling his determination to succeed in the face of adversity.
In an interview with TalkSport, Jacobs provided insights into Ronaldo’s mindset and the external factors that could be influencing his performance at Al Nassr. As the footballing world eagerly awaits Ronaldo’s next move, the narrative surrounding his legacy and rivalry with Messi continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.