What Options Does Cristiano Ronaldo Have For His Future?

It doesn't look as though Cristiano Ronaldo will be going anywhere any time soon - for now. With rumors that the legendary soccer player will finally leave Manchester United behind next year, there are plenty of thoughts about who will take his place. Still, that's not down to Ronaldo.

Instead, many have been left wondering the same thing: what options does Cristiano Ronaldo have for his future? With thoughts that he will make it to the European Championship in 2024, many are wondering how long his career on the pitch has left. After all, he'll be 39 years old by then and might only have so many years of playing left in him.

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Manchester United in January 2023

Nearing the end of his playing career means Cristiano Ronaldo wants to get all he can out of his remaining time on the pitch. That's the biggest reason the player was so upset that the team didn't make it to the Champions League in 2022. There were talks with a host of clubs - including Atletico Madrid and Chelsea - which all amounted to nothing. The biggest issue to come from all of this is that Ronaldo is barely playing matches anymore, missing out on Premier League games so far this season and potentially missing spots later on in the year if other players are deemed fit. This could mean Ronaldo has the option to leave Manchester United in January 2023. What will this mean? He could have a chance to sign up with a team with good odds, but this all relies on Man United letting him go.

The soccer legend could keep his spot with Man United until next summer

A more natural break in Cristiano Ronaldo's career would be for him to leave Manchester United in the summer of 2023. This would give him a chance to pick a suitable club that could lead to more trophies, more goals, and better training for the 2024 Euros. The initial contract saw Ronaldo signed to the club for two years starting in 2021, meaning this will be the time for him to start negotiating again. There was little market for his skills needed across other clubs during initial negotiations in summer 2022. Still, this could quickly change in the next few months. 

Cristiano Ronaldo could extend his contract with Old Trafford

Believe it or not, but the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo staying with Old Trafford was never ruled out. In fact, there was the chance to extend his original two-year contract for another year when he first signed the deal in 2021, meaning he could play all the way until the 2024 Euros. However, Ronaldo's deal is a little different. It turns out he needs to agree with his representatives to an extension before anything is on the table, meaning all the balls are in his court right now. Staying at the club might seem like a long way off, but many sources have noted Ronaldo seems more dedicated than ever before at training sessions and in games. If the team has a good season, there's a chance Ronaldo will see out his professional days with Manchester United.

What options does Cristiano Ronaldo have for his future? A few. However, it seems to largely depend on how the rest of this year's season plays out before the soccer legend will be making any decision about where he's going. Of course, this all depends on how much Manchester United wants to keep him on the team, too.