Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a major hint that his time with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr may be nearing its end. The Portuguese legend shared a cryptic message on social media just hours after the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League season, stating “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” along with a photo of himself in the club’s jersey. This message has sparked intense speculation about his next move in world football.
Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr in December 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United in a widely discussed departure. His contract with the Saudi club is set to expire on June 30, 2025. Although he has consistently delivered on an individual level and ended the season as the league’s top scorer with 24 goals, Al-Nassr has failed to secure major trophies during his tenure.
The team faced a disappointing season, crashing out in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League at the hands of Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale and finishing third in the domestic league. Their final position came after a controversial decision by the Saudi Football Federation, which overturned a March loss to Al-Orubah due to the latter fielding an ineligible player. The decision awarded Al-Nassr three additional points, pushing them from fourth to third.
While this ruling keeps alive faint hopes for continental competition, only the top two Saudi teams qualify for the prestigious AFC Champions League. A third-place finish secures a place in the second-tier competition, which may not be enough to keep Ronaldo motivated at the club.
Adding further intrigue, Al-Nassr is not among the teams participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 14 in the United States. Saudi rival Al-Hilal will represent the country instead. This means Ronaldo, despite being a key figure in promoting Saudi football globally, may miss the international spotlight unless he makes a move.
Fueling further rumors, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted at discussions involving Ronaldo joining another club temporarily to feature in the tournament. During a conversation with popular streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino remarked, “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup… there are discussions with some clubs… who knows.” This has opened the door to the possibility of a short-term loan or transfer that could even reunite Ronaldo with his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who will be competing with Inter Miami.
As Ronaldo turns the page on what appears to be his final season with Al-Nassr, fans and football insiders alike are watching closely to see where the next chapter of his iconic career unfolds.
