Cristiano Ronaldo targets dramatic UK project amid Al-Nassr unrest – report

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most recognisable former Manchester United players in world football, despite spending the latter stages of his career away from the Premier League. The Portugal captain is currently plying his trade with Al-Nassr, but his profile continues to extend far beyond what happens on the pitch. Ronaldo has also built a sizeable commercial portfolio under the CR7 banner, spanning multiple ventures alongside his playing commitments. A fresh update suggests the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now taking steps linked to what life could look like once he stops playing. According to the Manchester Evening News, this planning includes groundwork for bringing his CR7-branded hospitality concept to the United Kingdom after his career ends. Trademark move hints at next chapter The report says Ronaldo’s hospitality project is connected to his existing partnership with Portuguese group Pestana. It claims a key element of the latest developments is pursuit of trademark protection in the UK, which would support any future rollout in this country. MEN adds that the intended expansion would come after he retires, rather than during the closing phase of his current playing schedule. The same piece references Ronaldo’s stance on timing, suggesting he does not view retirement as imminent and that soon could mean within one or two years. While the story notes recent tension around Al-Nassr, it frames the wider picture as a long-term plan being put in place behind the scenes. Why England still matters for Ronaldo Ronaldo’s enduring connection to English football is obvious, given his two spells at Old Trafford and the impact he made in a United shirt. Even from Saudi Arabia, he remains a constant talking point back in England, with MEN presenting the trademark step as another sign his brand is being actively managed. For now, his immediate focus is still on Al-Nassr, but the report indicates that preparations for a post-playing chapter are already moving forward and that he is unsettled due to “a lack of transfer activity at the club, as well as the reduced influence of his allies, chief executive Jose Semedo and director of football Simão Coutinho.” The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, accurate, and source-led news, analysis, opinions, team developments, injuries, press conferences, and matchday reactions. A former secondary school teacher, he now coaches college football (not soccer) and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16-years-old in 2014; over a decade later, United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.