Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked speculation about his future after hinting at a possible departure from Saudi club Al Nassr in a cryptic social media post following the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League.
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon, who joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United, posted a photo in the club’s jersey with the caption: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
Ronaldo’s contract with the Riyadh-based side is set to expire this summer, and while no official statement has been made, his message strongly suggests he could be on the move.
During his tenure at Al Nassr, Ronaldo remained a key player, finishing the season as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer with 24 goals. However, despite his individual brilliance, the club failed to secure any major trophies, ending third in the league and falling short in the AFC Champions League semi-finals against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Speculation about Ronaldo’s next destination has intensified ahead of the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14. Al Nassr did not qualify for the tournament, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted that Ronaldo could still take part with another participating team.
“There are ongoing discussions,” Infantino said in a conversation with American YouTuber IShowSpeed. “If any club is watching and interested in bringing Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”
Adding to the intrigue, Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi will represent Inter Miami in the tournament, raising the tantalizing possibility of another chapter in their legendary rivalry should Ronaldo join a qualified side.
Ronaldo had previously hinted at ending his career with Al Nassr, but his latest comments suggest he’s keeping his options open as he approaches the final stage of a career that has spanned Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Saudi Arabia.
The special transfer window for Club World Cup teams runs from June 1 to June 10, giving clubs a limited window to register new players. Whether Ronaldo will feature — and in whose colors — remains one of football’s most-watched questions.
