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October 17, 2025
Ronaldo has spent two decades mastering the pitch, but what happens when the boots come off? As he edges toward the twilight of his playing career, fans can’t help but wonder: could football’s most driven player transform into an equally brilliant manager once the whistle finally blows?
Few footballers have made such an impact as Cristiano Ronaldo. His career is defined by ambition, record-breaking performances, and a mentality that has inspired both teammates and rivals. While he is still thriving as a professional football player at 40, his playing days might be nearing their final stretch. What is then next for the superstar – could he make a good manager?
Cristiano Ronaldo - Rockabye
In football, the move from player to manager is almost a natural evolution, as many greats choose to stay connected to the game by stepping into the dugout. Some of them, like Zinedine Zidane and Xavi Hernández, have managed to extend their footballing influence through successful coaching careers. But others have discovered that technical brilliance on the field doesn’t always guarantee tactical genius on the sidelines.
Fans who enjoy taking part in the excitement of football through betting know that it’s about so much more than just the players and match results. From transfer window purchases to changes in management, there’s always something to bet on both locally and internationally. For example, those interested in Norwegian online betting will be able to explore bets on everything from small, local matches to the biggest tournaments and star players, where Ronaldo is still one of the biggest names around.
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is still showing relentless drive at a professional level, something very few players achieve at his age. His physical condition and mindset are often described as “superhuman”, and for many fans, it’s almost unthinkable to imagine football without him actively playing. Yet retirement is inevitable sooner or later. As it is possibly approaching, the question of management becomes really interesting.
Leadership has always been part of Ronaldo’s identity. Even in his early days at Manchester United, he set standards through sheer discipline and an unmatched desire to improve. These qualities are essential for management. A good manager must inspire players to push beyond their limits, especially during tough spells. Ronaldo’s intensity could easily translate into that role.
Coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti have spoken about Ronaldo’s obsession with perfection, from training habits to nutrition and recovery routines. This has even resulted in the book ‘The Obsession for Perfection’, which highlights Ronaldo’s many qualities relevant to leadership.
Furthermore, several young players who have trained alongside him, from Marcus Rashford to João Félix, have described him as a mentor figure. The ability to lead from within a dressing room could be one of his strongest assets if he ever chose to manage.
It’s also worth noting that Ronaldo has captained his national team for more than a decade. His home country clearly sees his potential, as he was recently distinguished with the "Best of All Time" award by the Portuguese Football League. Among others, he has led Portugal to victories in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League. The kind of leadership needed as a captain under pressure is, in many ways, not far from what a manager does.
Ronaldo’s football journey reads like a masterclass in learning from greatness. That’s because his impressive career has resulted in him working under some of the most respected managers in the modern game, including Sir Alex Ferguson, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zinedine Zidane, among others. Each of them has influenced and inspired him in different ways that could help him as a manager himself.
From Ferguson, he has learnt the importance of motivation and management, as the Scottish manager is known for getting the best out of passionate personalities while maintaining discipline. Mourinho probably gave him more of a sense of tactical organisation, focusing on team structure and transitions, while Zidane might have shown the value of calmness, empathy, and mutual trust in a dressing room full of stars. As Ronaldo thrived under each of them, the experiences he had could help shape his own approach if he ever chose to manage.
Beyond leadership, Ronaldo has obviously developed a deep understanding of football in itself. His years at multiple top clubs in different leagues exposed him to various formations, defensive and attacking systems, and styles of play, which he could all build on as a manager.
Ronaldo has been able to observe how managers adjust during games and experience how even small tactical tweaks can change outcomes. If he were to move into management, this knowledge could help him design strategies that balance attack and defence, adapt to opponents, and get the best out of his players.
In the end, greatness on the field doesn’t automatically translate to success on the sidelines. Managers need patience, long-term vision, and the ability to delegate. As a player, Ronaldo has always demanded the highest standards of himself and others. In management, motivating those who don’t share that same level of intensity could turn frustrating. In other words, Ronaldo’s fiery competitiveness that has driven his career could become a double-edged sword.
Another obstacle would be his relationship with the media. As one of the most famous people on earth, Ronaldo’s every comment is amplified. If he managed a major club, that spotlight would intensify. Handling press conferences, criticism, and public pressure would be a key part of the job that could possibly be more demanding than anything he’s experienced as a player.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on October 18, against Al Fateh, for the the Saudi Pro League. You can watch Al Nassr vs Al Fateh, Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea, Barcelona vs Girona, Manchester City vs Everton, Fulham vs Arsenal and Bayern Munchen vs Borussia Dortmund, all matches provided from our football streams game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Nassr vs Al Fateh kick-off time (18-10-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 23:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 19:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / bbc.com / espn.com
