By Dickson | Africalivenews
A group of passionate Real Madrid fans are making headlines after publicly urging club president Florentino Perez to bring back legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo to the Santiago Bernabéu, reigniting nostalgia and sparking speculation about a potential return for the 40-year-old Portuguese star.
The emotional plea came in the form of a bold banner hung outside Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground this week. The message, directed clearly at the club’s leadership, read: “Florentino, sign CR7,” according to footage aired by popular Spanish football show El Chiringuito TV.
This unexpected display of loyalty and desire for Ronaldo’s return has triggered intense discussions across the football world, especially considering the icon’s age, current club situation, and history with the Spanish giants.
A Complicated Goodbye
Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 after nine unforgettable seasons marked by unprecedented success. During his time at the Bernabéu from 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances and helped the club win numerous titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles.
Although the departure was initially framed as a career move, Ronaldo later revealed that tensions with Florentino Perez contributed to his decision to leave.
“It wasn’t about money or ambition. There was a misunderstanding between me and the president,” Ronaldo said in a past interview. “I felt it was time to move on.”
He subsequently joined Juventus, and after a stint back at Manchester United, he signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in late 2022, becoming the face of a new football revolution in the Gulf region.
Mixed Signals From Ronaldo
Now, with Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of the current season, rumors of a return to Europe—or perhaps even Madrid—are beginning to swirl.
Fueling the speculation, Ronaldo recently posted a cryptic message on social media stating: “This chapter is over.” Although he did not clarify whether he was referring to his stint at Al-Nassr or something more personal, the ambiguity has stirred curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
To date, no official statement has been made by either Ronaldo or Al-Nassr regarding the future of his contract, although local sources suggest talks for a possible renewal are still ongoing.
Fan Nostalgia and the Dream of a Farewell Return
The banner left by Madridistas outside the club’s Valdebebas training ground demonstrates just how deeply Ronaldo’s legacy is cherished in the Spanish capital. For many supporters, he remains more than just a former player—he is a symbol of an era of dominance.
“I cried the day he left,” said Javier Alvarez, a longtime Real Madrid fan interviewed by El Chiringuito. “He gave us everything—goals, trophies, pride. Seeing him wear the white shirt one last time would mean the world.”
Online, hashtags like #BringBackCR7 and #CR7MadridReturn have been trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Numerous fan pages have published nostalgic clips of Ronaldo’s greatest moments in a Madrid jersey, with captions urging Perez to consider one final dance with the legend.
The Club’s Stance: A Long Shot?
Despite the public enthusiasm, insiders say that a Ronaldo return remains highly unlikely from the club’s point of view. Real Madrid have shifted focus towards developing a younger, more dynamic squad, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo shaping the club’s future.
Sources close to the club suggest that while Ronaldo’s contributions are respected and honored, the board is unlikely to take a sentimental turn when planning next season’s strategy.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend of this club. His place in history is unquestionable,” a senior official reportedly told Spanish daily Marca. “But football decisions must be made with the future in mind.”
Nevertheless, with the 2025 summer transfer window approaching, nothing can be entirely ruled out. Ronaldo’s return—even as a ceremonial gesture or final farewell season—could serve both commercial and emotional interests for the club.
What Happens Next?
For now, all eyes are on Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Should the veteran forward decide against renewing his contract, it could pave the way for a highly symbolic homecoming—or an entirely new chapter elsewhere.
The player himself has remained quiet since his cryptic post, choosing not to elaborate or entertain questions about his future. However, fans remain hopeful that their voices will be heard.
“Legends deserve to go out with glory,” said Maria Gutierrez, another Real Madrid supporter. “Bring him back, even if it’s just for one more match at the Bernabéu.”
As speculation mounts and social media buzz continues to grow, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s bond with Real Madrid and its fans remains unbreakable, even seven years after his departure. Whether that bond leads to a fairytale return or not, his place in the club’s storied history is forever secure.
