Cristiano Ronaldo appears set to leave Al Nassr after nearly two years with the Saudi Arabian club, following a cryptic social media post hinting at the end of his time in Riyadh.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward joined Al Nassr in late 2022, following his high-profile departure from Old Trafford. Since then, the Portuguese icon has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 99 times in 111 appearances for the club. However, tensions have risen in recent months between the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the club’s fanbase, culminating in Ronaldo being booed off the pitch following a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh last night, despite getting on the scoresheet.
Shortly after the loss, the 39-year-old posted a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” The statement has fuelled widespread speculation that he has played his final game for the Saudi Pro League side.
Despite reportedly being offered a staggering new contract worth €15.2 million per month to stay, Ronaldo looks set to turn down the extension, with several clubs around the world now being linked with a move for the veteran striker.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added fuel to the fire recently by suggesting Ronaldo could feature in the inaugural Club World Cup next month, telling reporters: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions.”
Mexican side Monterrey are rumoured to be exploring a sensational move that could see Ronaldo reunite with long-time teammate Sergio Ramos. Brazilian clubs are also reportedly circling, with Botafogo boss Renato Paiva commenting on the speculation.
“Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good,” Paiva said.
As Ronaldo weighs up the next chapter of his illustrious career, fans around the world are left waiting to see where one of football’s greatest-ever forwards will land next.