Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Al Nassr exit amid Club World Cup speculation

Legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at the end of his tenure with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. In a cryptic social media post, Ronaldo said "this chapter is over" hours after Al Nassr's final league game of the 2024-25 season.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have played his final game for Al Nassr, with strong indications that the legendary forward is preparing to close this chapter of his storied career and pursue a new challenge elsewhere. In a cryptic yet telling social media post shared just moments after scoring in Al Nassr’s final Saudi Pro League match of the season, the 40-year-old wrote: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”

Despite Ronaldo’s goal, his 25th of the season with Al Nassr, they were beaten 3-2 by Al Fateh on Monday as they finished third in the Saudi Pro League.

The post has ignited widespread speculation about Ronaldo’s next move, especially with his current contract set to expire on June 30.

Talks over a potential extension with Al Nassr have reportedly stalled, and the club’s failure to secure major silverware during his two-and-a-half-year tenure may have influenced his decision. Despite a prolific individual record—99 goals in 111 appearances—Ronaldo’s time in Riyadh ended without a major trophy, with Al Nassr finishing 13 points adrift of league champions Al-Ittihad this season.

Further fuelling rumours is FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s recent revelation that discussions are ongoing about Ronaldo potentially featuring in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States. Al Nassr did not qualify for the 32-team tournament, but Ronaldo could still appear for another club if a transfer materialises before the event kicks off in June.

Speaking during a light-hearted interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino mentioned that Lionel Messi is slated to play in the opening match for Inter Miami and added, “And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows.”

FIFA has created an additional transfer window, from June 1 to June 10, to allow clubs to complete deals in time for the tournament. This window presents a rare and timely opportunity for Ronaldo to align his next move with an immediate appearance on the global stage.

As of now, Ronaldo’s destination remains uncertain. He has been linked with a potential move to Major League Soccer, where he could join former rivals like Messi in expanding football’s reach in North America. A sentimental return to his boyhood club, Sporting CP in Portugal, has also been speculated, appealing to fans eager to see his career come full circle.

Before any official announcement, Ronaldo will turn his attention to international duty. He is set to join the Portugal national team for the UEFA Nations League semifinal against Germany on June 4, a platform that may also serve as the backdrop for an update on his club future.