Cristiano Ronaldo sparks exit rumors from Al Nassr with cryptic social-media post, potential next clubs unveiled

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the 41st minute wasn’t enough to prevent Al Nassr’s loss and subsequent failure to qualify for the AFC Champions League elite group. This game may have been his final appearance for the Saudi club, given his expiring contract in June and recent social media activity fueling departure speculation.

New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo’s cryptic social media post fueled speculation about his departure from Al Nassr. The 39-year-old, who joined the Saudi Arabian team in 2023 on a lucrative contract reportedly worth up to $200 million annually, hinted at an imminent exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at a possible retirement from football in a recent social media post.

“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” Ronaldo wrote on X.

A week ago, Spanish publication Marca reported significant internal unrest at Al-Nassr, predicting potential upheaval within the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is set to end on June 30, and negotiations for a renewal haven’t yielded an agreement. The lack of success for Al-Nassr this season has further strained the relationship between the player and the club.

Al-Nassr’s recent 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh, despite a Ronaldo goal, further diminishes their Asian Champions League hopes and raises questions about the veteran player’s future with the club.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo scored 92 goals in 104 matches for his Saudi Pro League team, his recent performance has been underwhelming. This decline, coupled with his team’s Asian Champions League exit, has led to visible frustration. However, he achieved the milestones of 800 club career goals and 936 total career goals, and also secured his second Saudi Pro League Golden Boot award in two years.

A Brazilian football club, whose identity remains undisclosed, has reportedly made a significant offer to Ronaldo. Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense are speculated as potential suitors. Acceptance of this offer could potentially lead to Ronaldo’s participation in the upcoming Club World Cup.

News outlets suggest Cristiano Ronaldo may rejoin Sporting Lisbon, his first professional club, after leaving for Manchester United in 2003.