New Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento picks Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-teammate as his childhood idol
New Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento has named a former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo as his childhood idol in football. The Brazil international is set to play alongside the Portugal captain this season, having moved to the Saudi giants from Athletico Paranaense.
Al-Nassr were in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, with David Ospina having left the club at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Saudi giants signed Bento for just €18 million, beating a number of European sides to his signature.
Bento was involved in a TikTok segment with the official account of the Saudi giants, where he had to answer some quick-fire questions. When asked about his childhood idol, the goalkeeper went for Kaka, a player who previously played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr has proven to be a catalyst for the side to attract some of the world's finest players. Before signing Bento, the Brazil international was wanted by Inter Milan and several other European sides, but decided to join Al-Nassr.
Earlier in the summer, the Knights of Najd made moves to sign Wojciech Szczesny and Ederson, but neither deal worked out. Bento has proven to be a capable goalkeeper, and will be a key player for the side.
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to win a major honor since arriving at Al-Nassr, and he will hope that Bento can help him achieve this. The 25-year-old tasted glory with his former club in Brazil, and will be hopeful of winning more silverware in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr linked with La Liga star - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are prepared to make a move for Barcelona forward Raphinha, according to a report from SPORT. The Saudi Pro League side are keen to strengthen their squad after finishing a distant second in the league last season.
Brazil international Raphinha has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, having fallen behind teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the pecking order. The 27-year-old has suitors from the Premier League, but Al-Nassr are prepared to throw their hat in the ring.
Al-Nassr have finished second in each of the last two league seasons and will be eager to go one better in the 2024-25 campaign They have made only one signing so far this summer, replacing Ospina with Bento in goal. They are looking to add a couple more names to their squad, with a new left-back being considered.