Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced strong support for Saudi Arabia’s tourism and development strategy, describing the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030 as “remarkable” and “only just beginning.”
Speaking at the TOURISE 2025 global tourism forum in Riyadh, the Al-Nassr forward reflected on his decision to move to Saudi Arabia in 2022, saying it had proven to be the right choice.
“Everyone realized I was right when I moved to Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo told delegates. “I believe in the ambition and potential of the Kingdom’s development project.”
TOURISE 2025: The Ambition Behind Saudi Arabia’s 150M Tourism Target
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the three-day TOURISE 2025 forum (November 11–13) convened global leaders from aviation, hospitality, technology, and entertainment to discuss ways to shape the future of sustainable tourism.
The event is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to position itself as a global tourism hub, aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 through new destinations such as AlUla, NEOM, and the Red Sea Project.
Ronaldo told attendees he considers himself “part of Saudi Arabia’s journey,” adding, “I consider myself Saudi. I help in different sectors because I believe in the country’s capabilities, and now everyone has discovered that I was right.”
Ronaldo Pledges Support for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also expressed his desire to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, calling it “a goal worthy of the country’s ambition.”
“I want to be part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host the World Cup,” he said, emphasizing his admiration for the country’s tourism and cultural projects. “I love AlUla and the Red Sea Project, and I believe in the tourism vision in the Kingdom.”
Ronaldo praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, crediting his “hard work in elevating the Kingdom on a global level.”
Ronaldo Reaffirms Commitment to Kingdom’s Transformation Post-Al-Nassr
The 40-year-old footballer, who joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United, said he continues to enjoy his career in the Saudi Pro League and hinted that retirement could come “within two years.”
“I enjoy every moment now,” he said. “When I talk about retirement, it could mean after two years.”
Ronaldo reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s broader transformation, describing it as “a big project for Saudi Arabia” that extends beyond sport into tourism, culture, and national pride.
