Ronaldo’s ‘incredible’ influence driving Haqawi’s World Cup ambitions

Under the mentorship of Portuguese megastar Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, rising Saudi talent Saad Haqawi is preparing for the next major milestone in his career — the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.

The 19-year-old forward, who trains daily alongside one of football’s all-time greats, is part of a promising Saudi Arabian generation aiming to make a statement on the global stage.

Haqawi played a pivotal role in helping Saudi Arabia qualify for the tournament, contributing to their impressive runners-up finish at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup. But for the young attacker, the U-20 World Cup is a crucial step toward fulfilling a far greater ambition — representing his country at the senior FIFA World Cup in 2034, which Saudi Arabia will host for the first time.

“My ambition is to reach the highest levels of professional football,” Haqawi told FIFA. “I want to be part of the team that will participate in the 2034 World Cup.”

Training and playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo has had a transformative effect on Haqawi’s development. He speaks of the experience with deep respect and awe, fully aware of the rare opportunity he has been given.

“It’s incredible to play with someone of his calibre, with everything he’s accomplished and his indescribable career. You’re playing with a star that anyone in the world would want to play with, or even just sit with,” he said.

Earlier this year, Haqawi assisted a goal for Ronaldo during a domestic league match — a moment that earned him not just a celebration, but a pointed gesture of gratitude from the Portuguese legend. Haqawi had the chance to score himself but opted to unselfishly pass instead.

“We all want to help him reach 1,000 goals,” he said.

“… we want to help him reach goal number 1,000. We hope he achieves that milestone. I had the opportunity to score, but the safer decision was to pass, especially because he needed the goal more than I do.”

In Ronaldo, he has a living example of what it means to chase greatness. And in the journey ahead, Haqawi is determined to carve out a legacy of his own.