Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a major hint that his time with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr might be coming to an end. This revelation came shortly after a disappointing season that saw the club miss out on major trophies despite Ronaldo’s impressive individual goal-scoring record.
Ronaldo played his last match of the season on Monday in a 3-2 defeat against Al Fateh. Although he scored in that game, it was not enough to secure a positive result for his side. Despite earlier reports suggesting that Ronaldo could extend his contract by another year, his recent social media activity suggests he may be ready to move on from Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr in December 2022 after a controversial exit from Manchester United. His departure from the Premier League club was marked by tension with then-manager Erik ten Hag and a public interview where Ronaldo criticized Manchester United’s management. Upon signing with Al Nassr, he inked a lucrative deal reportedly worth $200 million per year over two and a half years, making it one of the highest-paying contracts in football history.
Throughout his stint in Riyadh, Ronaldo has consistently delivered on the pitch. He scored 99 goals in 105 appearances, showcasing his enduring goal-scoring prowess even in the later stages of his career. This season alone, he found the net 24 times in 29 games. Despite his remarkable goal tally, team success has been elusive. The only silverware Ronaldo won with Al Nassr was the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. The club failed to capture the Saudi Pro League title or the coveted Asian Champions League trophy, falling short of expectations.
Ronaldo’s cryptic social media post following the recent defeat suggests a closing chapter in his time with the Saudi giants. He wrote: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” This message indicates that while his journey at Al Nassr might be concluding, Ronaldo’s career story is far from finished.
Al Nassr concluded the Saudi Pro League season in third place with 70 points, a distant 13 points behind league champions Al-Ittihad. This position also meant that the club missed out on qualification for the next edition of the Asian Champions League, adding to the overall sense of an underwhelming season.
Rumors about Ronaldo’s next move have already begun circulating. Brazilian clubs are reportedly interested in acquiring the forward, while Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club are also said to be eyeing him as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to kick off in the United States in mid-June.
The potential departure of Ronaldo from Al Nassr could mark a significant turning point both for the player and for Saudi football. Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia was widely viewed as a landmark moment, signaling the Gulf region’s growing appeal to global football stars. His presence has opened the door for other high-profile European players to consider moves to the financially lucrative Saudi Pro League.
Whether Ronaldo will sign a new contract or embark on a new challenge elsewhere remains to be seen. However, it is clear that his impact on Al Nassr and Saudi football as a whole has been profound. The chapter with Al Nassr might be closing, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary football story continues to unfold on a global scale.
