Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most decorated footballers of all time, may have played his final match for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. In a late-night social media post on Monday, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner suggested the end of his journey with the club, sparking speculation about his next move—and whether he might make a dramatic return to the global stage during this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
“This chapter is over,” Ronaldo wrote alongside a photo of himself in Al Nassr colors. He added, “The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
The message, terse yet telling, arrives just hours after the conclusion of the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League season. Despite Al Nassr finishing third behind title winners Al Hilal and second-place Al Ittihad, Ronaldo once again proved his elite status by topping the league’s scoring charts with 24 goals.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains an exceptional force on the pitch. Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023 following a high-profile split with Manchester United, he has scored prolifically, helping elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League to global audiences. His presence has also sparked an influx of international stars into the region, accelerating Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a footballing powerhouse.
But with his contract set to expire this summer, the forward’s future is uncertain.
Exit on the Horizon?
Ronaldo’s post has prompted a swirl of questions. Is this the end of his Middle Eastern chapter, or merely a pause before re-signing? Is a short-term contract in the works—possibly with a club competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States?
Adding to the intrigue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted that Ronaldo could still feature in the upcoming expanded Club World Cup, despite Al Nassr not qualifying for the tournament. Speaking in an interview with streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino stated: “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.”
Also Read: Copper Miners Rally After Congo Disruption Shakes Global Supply
A special transfer window will open from June 1 to June 10 to allow the 32 participating clubs to bolster their squads for the tournament, which begins on June 14. This narrow window could provide just the opportunity for a short-term deal that brings Ronaldo back to a global spotlight.
If a deal does materialize, Ronaldo could find himself once again facing long-time rival Lionel Messi, who is confirmed to be playing in the tournament with Inter Miami. The prospect of a Ronaldo vs. Messi showdown on U.S. soil is tantalizing to fans and marketers alike.
From Lisbon to Riyadh: A Legacy in Transition
Ronaldo’s journey from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr spans over two decades and countless accolades. His move to Saudi Arabia was initially met with skepticism but quickly proved to be a commercial and sporting success. Alongside players like Karim Benzema and Neymar, Ronaldo helped transform the Saudi Pro League into a magnet for global attention.
Last year, the Portuguese icon hinted that he might conclude his storied career in the Kingdom. “I could end my career at Al Nassr,” he said at the time. That possibility, however, now seems to be in flux.
Ronaldo’s departure—should it be confirmed—would mark the end of a significant era for Al Nassr, who benefited from his world-class experience, leadership, and unmatched goal-scoring instinct. Yet, it also opens the door to whatever comes next: a potential last dance on the global stage, or perhaps a new challenge in a league still unknown.
What’s Next?
For now, all eyes are on the weeks ahead. Will Ronaldo’s cryptic message be followed by a formal announcement? Will he lace up his boots one more time for a top-tier club on football’s biggest stage?
What is clear is that Cristiano Ronaldo is not done. “The story? Still being written,” he reminds us—a statement of intent from a man who has never allowed age or expectation to define his ambition.
Wherever he goes next, the football world will be watching.
