Cristiano Ronaldo may be preparing to leave Al-Nassr after a cryptic social media message sparked fresh questions about his future.
Following a 3–2 defeat to Al-Fateh in the final match of the Saudi Pro League season, the 40-year-old posted a short but telling message to X, formerly Twitter:
“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
Ronaldo opened the scoring in that game, marking his 800th career goal in club football. But despite his efforts, Al-Nassr finished the season in third place, once again falling short of the league title.
A Star Without Silverware
Since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023 after a turbulent end to his second spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo has delivered consistent performances. He was the league’s top scorer for the second season running, netting 24 goals this term. Yet team success has eluded him.
Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal finished above Al-Nassr, leaving Ronaldo—despite his individual brilliance—without silverware.
This has led to growing speculation about whether the Portuguese icon, now in the twilight of his career, might be looking for a new challenge.
Infantino’s Surprise Club World Cup Comments
Just days before Ronaldo’s post, FIFA president Gianni Infantino raised eyebrows by suggesting Ronaldo could feature in the Club World Cup this summer—despite Al-Nassr not qualifying.
Speaking in an informal interview with popular streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said:
“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions.”
When pressed, he repeated:
“Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs.”
The comment, although vague, has stirred debate. FIFA has not confirmed any official plans involving Ronaldo, and sources close to the player have reportedly voiced frustration over Infantino’s remarks.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo’s representatives were not pleased with the suggestion, calling it premature and unhelpful.
A Brazilian Twist?
Adding to the intrigue, Spanish outlet Marca recently reported that an unnamed Brazilian club has submitted an offer for Ronaldo. Among the four Brazilian teams qualified for the Club World Cup is Botafogo, whose head coach Renato Paiva did little to cool the rumour.
“Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that,” Paiva told reporters.
“Even at his age, he’s still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chances, he would do well.”
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo is seriously considering a move or simply reflecting on another season without a trophy.
Contract Talks Still Open
Ronaldo’s current contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire this summer, though local reports in Saudi Arabia have claimed that discussions about an extension are ongoing.
Nothing has been confirmed. And with the Club World Cup kicking off soon in the United States, questions around where Ronaldo will play next may be answered sooner than expected.
For now, fans are left guessing what the next chapter in Ronaldo’s storied career will look like. But if one thing is clear, it’s this: he’s not ready to close the book just yet.
