Cristiano Ronaldo, nearing retirement, has been speculated about in various roles post-football. Two possibilities often discussed are coaching Kylian Mbappé or returning to Manchester United in a mentorship capacity.
Coaching Kylian Mbappé
- Ronaldo’s Interest: Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed admiration for Kylian Mbappé and believes he could help improve the French forward’s game, particularly if Mbappé were to adapt his playing style as a number nine[6].
- Mbappé’s Current Role: Currently at Real Madrid, Mbappé is transitioning into a central forward role after joining from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite initial challenges, he has shown improvement over time[6].
- Potential Impact: If Ronaldo were to coach or mentor Mbappé, it could significantly enhance the latter’s skills by leveraging Ronaldo’s extensive experience as a top-tier striker.
Teaching Boys at Manchester United
- Ronaldo’s Legacy at Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo has had two successful stints at Manchester United (2003–2009 and 2021–2022). His return for a third spell was once rumored but never materialized due to contractual issues[2][1].
- Mentorship Role: Given his iconic status and influence on young players, there is speculation that Ronaldo might return to Old Trafford in a coaching or advisory capacity. This would allow him to impart his knowledge and experience to emerging talents within the club.
Retirement Plans
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that retirement might occur within one or two years but does not see himself moving into management immediately after retiring from playing football[5]. Instead, he plans to focus on other areas outside of football management.
Overall, while both roles are speculative at this stage, they reflect potential paths for Cristiano Ronaldo post-retirement based on his interests and legacy in football.
Citations:
[1] https://www.goal.com/en/lists/coach-kylian-mbappe-teach-boys-man-utd-roles-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-retires/blt8b753836ad162a9e
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo
[3] https://english.aaj.tv/news/330389306/cristiano-ronaldo-makes-big-revelation-about-retirement-plans
[4] https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/All/The-Future-of-Cristiano-Ronaldo-Retirement-Coaching-or-Something-Else/3104448
[5] https://www.eurosport.com/football/uefa-nations-league/2024-2025/cristiano-ronaldo-retirement-dismisses-coaching-management-portugal-al-nassr-bicycle-kick_sto20054667/story.shtml
[6] https://www.si.com/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-details-how-he-would-help-kylian-mbappe-at-real-madrid
[7] https://www.facebook.com/fabrizioromanoherewego/posts/-cristiano-ronaldo-on-retirement-well-so-sometimes-i-say-damn-can-i-continue-to-/1259552819305540/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1ignc91/cristiano_ronaldo_kylian_mbapp%C3%A9_is_not_a_striker/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlSNZAdX1dA
[10] https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-timeline-for-retirement-portugal-superstar-no-plans-to-go-into-management/blt687372e9c21b10a9
[11] https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-reveals-plan-to-retire-in-secret-admits-no-plan-become-coach/blt677ee19443962a94
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUPt1nGOCi4
[13] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250206-ronaldo-hopes-to-own-several-clubs-after-retirement/
[14] https://www.goal.com/en-om/lists/coach-kylian-mbappe-teach-boys-man-utd-roles-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-retires/blt8b753836ad162a9e
[15] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1210959974164825&id=100057525006204&set=a.188926256368207
[16] https://www.geo.tv/latest/574926-cristiano-ronaldo-reveals-retirement-plans-announces-when-hell-hang-up-his-boots
[17] https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2351657-cristiano-ronaldo-discusses-kylian-mbappe-retirement-and-near-move-to-barcelona
[18] https://www.tiktok.com/@manutd/video/7418502577672817953?lang=en
[19] https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/what-solskjaer-taught-rooney-and-ronaldo-at-man-utd
[20] https://www.gbnews.com/sport/football/cristiano-ronaldo-retirement-beckham-neville-2670691335
