Posted by As he nears the end of his illustrious career, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has now joined the ranks of other famous footballers who have relocated to Asia.
Ronaldo just agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, the 37-year-old will make more than £177 million year while working for Al-Nassr.
On January 3, the former Manchester United forward will be introduced as an Al-Nassr player.
According to kuryaloaded, it has grown more frequent in recent years for star footballers from Europe to relocate to Asia as they near the conclusion of their playing careers.
After enjoying successful seasons in Europe, these players move to Asia in order to either take on new challenges, win more trophies, or increase their earning potential. This is because many Asian clubs offer high-profile players who are nearing the end of their careers lucrative salaries and long-term contracts.
The top six footballers who ended their careers by playing in Asia are listed here in no particular order.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one.
Ronaldo recently joined the Al-Nassr club in Saudi Arabia and will be introduced as a member of the team on January 3rd.
The 37-year-contract old’s with Manchester United was mutually terminated in November, and he then signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Middle Eastern team.
The Portugal captain, who has also represented Real Madrid and Juventus, will make more than £177 million year while he is a member of the Saudi Arabian team.
Cannavaro, Fabio
After a brief second stint with Juventus in 2010, Cannavaro agreed to a two-year contract with Al Ahli.
The Ballon d’Or winner and FIFA World Cup Player of the Year from 2006 played at Al Ahli for just one season before being forced to retire due to a major knee injury.
The former Italian defender, who is recognized as one of the all-time greatest center backs, played in Europe for 19 seasons.
Among the teams Cannavaro has represented are Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha is third.
Okocha spent one season with Qatar SC after leaving Bolton Wanderers in 2006 and joining them on a free transfer.
After just one season with Qatar SC, the former Super Eagles captain moved back to Hull City in the Championship.
Okocha was let go by the team after Hull was promoted to the Premier League, which ultimately led to his retirement.
4. Samuel Eto’o, who most recently played for Qatar SC, a team located in Qatar.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year spent just one season at the club, scoring six goals and registering one assist in 18 appearances before officially retiring from football.
The Cameroon legend had played for the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, among others when he was at his peak.
5. Andres Iniesta.
Iniesta spent 16 years in Barcelona before leaving Camp Nou for Asia to finish off his illustrious career.
The Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time before joining the Japanese club Vissel Kobe in 2018.
The 38-year-old is still active and has scored 26 goals and registered 25 assists in 128 appearances so far for Vissel Kobe.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner is also the captain of the Japanese club as well.
6. Xavi Hernandez
Xavi, who is currently the manager of Barcelona, was part of one of the greatest midfield trios of all time. He formed a strong partnership with Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets during his playing days.
The Spaniard spent 17 years in Barcelona before leaving in 2015 for Asia.
Xavi joined Al Sadd, a Qatari club based in Doha, signing a three-year contract.
He was then appointed coach of Al Saad upon his retirement and won seven trophies as their manager before leaving for Barcelona in 2021.