Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Champions League next year after Saudi Pro League 'wildcard request'

Some of football’s biggest names, including Cristiano Ronaldo could be back in the Champions League.

Back in January, Ronaldo became the first big name to ditch European football for Saudi Arabia after he signed for Al Nassr.

Since then, the Saudi Professional League have attracted other big names such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.

Despite moving away from European football, we could see them back in the continent soon as it has been reported that the Saudi Professional League are looking to participate in the Champions League.

According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, the top people of the Arab federation are set to formalise a request to UEFA.

The Saudi football authorities want the Saudi Professional League winners to have a place in the Champions League from next season.

It has been claimed that they would like to be granted a wildcard entry to European football’s top competition.

Starting from the 24/25 season, the format of the Champions League is set to change from the current 32-team system to one that will see 36 teams play in the tournament.

The group stage as we know it will also be completely switched up.

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Instead of being placed in different groups, all teams will now be placed in a single league phase.

Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties, but not everyone will play against each other.

Teams that finish in the top eight places will automatically advance to the round of 16, whilst teams finishing between ninth and 16th will battle it out in a two-legged play-off.

If UEFA accepts the wildcard request from the Saudi authorities, we could soon see the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Neymar back in the Champions League.

Thoughts on a Saudi team potentially playing in the Champions League? Let us know in the comments.