- Cristiano Ronaldo has never been shy about expressing admiration for players who impress him on and off the pitch. But in a revelation that has taken the football world by surprise, the Portuguese superstar — currently dazzling in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr — has openly named the one Arsenal star he dreams of playing alongside before hanging up his boots.
The player in question? None other than Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhães. Known for his commanding presence in defence, aerial dominance, and ability to contribute offensively when needed, Gabriel has been a rock at the back for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal over the past few seasons. For Ronaldo to single him out speaks volumes about the respect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds for the Gunners defender.
In a recent interview, Ronaldo described Gabriel as a “fantastic player” who possesses both the technical skill and mental toughness to thrive at the highest level. “Before I say I like a player, there must be something special I see in that person,” Ronaldo explained. “Gabriel is someone I admire greatly. His journey at Arsenal has been remarkable, and I believe he’s capable of reaching even greater heights in his career.”
Ronaldo went a step further, revealing that he would be thrilled to share the pitch with Gabriel one day — ideally in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr. “If I could get the opportunity to play with him here before I retire, it would make me very happy,” Ronaldo said. “I believe we could achieve great things together — my experience in attack and his strength in defence would be a winning combination.”
This statement has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. While Ronaldo’s influence could be a major pull factor for any player, Arsenal’s current ambitions make it unlikely they would willingly part ways with one of their key defenders. However, the financial muscle of Saudi clubs in recent transfer windows has proven that in football, nothing is truly impossible.
Ronaldo, now in the twilight of his glittering career, remains as competitive and ambitious as ever. Beyond chasing personal records, he has increasingly taken on a mentoring role for younger players at Al Nassr, guiding them with his unmatched work ethic and professionalism. His interest in Gabriel highlights his belief in surrounding himself with the right characters — players who bring not only skill but also commitment and winning mentality.
The potential partnership between Ronaldo and Gabriel is one that excites many. On paper, it offers the perfect balance: Ronaldo’s legendary goalscoring instinct paired with Gabriel’s defensive solidity. For Al Nassr, it could mean a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in continental competitions, further elevating the Saudi Pro League’s profile on the world stage.
Unsurprisingly, reactions on social media have been mixed. Arsenal supporters have voiced both pride and concern — pride that one of their own has caught the eye of one of football’s greatest ever players, and concern that this could lead to relentless transfer pressure from abroad. Meanwhile, Al Nassr fans are buzzing at the thought of such a high-profile defensive addition to complement their already star-studded attack.
Whether or not Ronaldo’s wish comes true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his legacy is still being written. Even after conquering Europe, winning countless trophies, and becoming a global icon, Ronaldo’s hunger to compete and build winning teams remains undiminished. His admiration for Gabriel Magalhães is a reminder that in football, greatness recognizes greatness.
For now, Gabriel remains focused on Arsenal’s ambitions in the Premier League and Champions League. But with Ronaldo publicly expressing his interest, the whispers of a future collaboration in Saudi Arabia will only grow louder in the months to come. Football, after all, has a way of turning dreams into reality — sometimes when
