Speculation has intensified surrounding the potential return of some of football’s biggest stars to their former clubs, with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the forefront of these discussions. As Messi continues to make waves with MLS side Inter Miami, his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, is reportedly planning to entice him back to Argentina in 2027.
Messi began his football journey at Newell’s in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, joining the youth ranks at just six years old. He later moved to Barcelona in 2000, where he developed into one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Despite his current success in Miami, the prospect of a fairytale return to Newell’s has not faded, especially with recent statements from club vice president Cristian D’Amico expressing a desire to bring the Argentine back for a six-month loan.
In a 2017 interview with TyC Sports, Messi himself hinted at a longing to play for Newell’s again, stating, “I’ve said many times that my dream is to play at Newell’s, but I don’t know what will happen.” With negotiations seemingly underway, fans are hopeful that this dream could soon become a reality.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself at a crossroads in his career, with uncertainty surrounding his future at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Recent reports indicate that the Portuguese superstar is dissatisfied with his club’s transfer activity and holds a release clause of €44 million. Should he decide to leave Saudi Arabia, a nostalgic return to his first professional club, Sporting CP, is a possibility that many are considering.
Ronaldo began his senior career at Sporting almost 25 years ago. His mother, Dolores Aveiro, has publicly expressed her wish for him to return, stating, “If it were my choice, he would already be here.” The emotional weight of such a reunion adds another layer to the potential move, especially as Ronaldo aims to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
Other Potential Homecomings in Football
Football is rife with tales of players returning to their roots, and Messi and Ronaldo are not alone in this regard. Other players are also eyeing potential moves back to their former clubs. Vinícius Júnior, currently at Real Madrid, has been linked with a return to Flamengo, the club where he started his professional career. The Brazilian winger joined Flamengo at the age of six and made 50 appearances before moving to Madrid in 2018. With uncertainty surrounding his future at the Bernabéu, Flamengo’s sporting director, José Boto, jokingly mentioned the prospect of bringing Vinícius back during a recent player unveiling.
Additionally, Antoine Griezmann has expressed a desire to play for his boyhood club, Lyon. Although he never played for Lyon’s senior team, he has fond memories of the club from his youth. Griezmann stated, “For me, Lyon has been my club since I was a kid,” highlighting his emotional connection.
Another player to watch is Casemiro, who has announced his intention to leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer. The Brazilian midfielder could potentially return to São Paulo, where he spent a decade developing his skills before moving to Europe. Though he has not publicly voiced a desire to return, his deep roots in the club are undeniable.
Lastly, Romelu Lukaku is contemplating a grand return to Anderlecht, the club where he began his senior career. Despite currently playing for Napoli, he has stated on multiple occasions his aspiration to don Anderlecht’s purple jersey again before his career concludes. With his contract at Napoli still having 18 months to run, the possibility of a homecoming could become a reality after the 2026 World Cup.
As the footballing world looks ahead, the potential for these emotional returns adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of the sport. Whether or not these players will fulfill their dreams remains to be seen, but the prospect of such reunions captures the imagination of fans worldwide.
