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Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Al-Nassr exit with cryptic post as global speculation swirls over his next club, including Al-Hilal, Inter Miami, Sporting Lisbon, and more.
Legendary Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo recently set the football world alight with a cryptic social media post that strongly hints his time at Al-Nassr may be over. Following his club’s final match of the season, the 40-year-old took to his X account, writing: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
The statement, posted after the expiration of his 173 million-pounds-per-year deal, brings an end to a mixed stint in the Saudi Pro League, where Ronaldo scored 93 goals and contributed 19 assists in 105 appearances. However, during his two-and-a-half years at Al-Nassr, his only silverware came in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
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Adding to the drama, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently made waves by suggesting Ronaldo could feature in the upcoming Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr not qualifying.
Appearing alongside streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino teased, "Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions."
Pressed further, he added: "Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. 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."
However, Ronaldo’s representatives were reportedly unhappy with the public nature of Infantino’s comments.
Where Next for Ronaldo? Possible Destinations Explored
With Ronaldo having voiced his ambition to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup at age 41, speculation is mounting about where he could play next. Here are some of the most talked-about options:
Al-Hilal: Staying in Saudi Arabia – but with a twist
Al-Hilal remain the only Saudi side to have qualified for the newly-expanded 32-team Club World Cup, making them a logical next step. Already home to top names like Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Joao Cancelo, the Riyadh-based club has outperformed Al-Nassr in recent years.
Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that talks are already underway, with Al-Hilal’s board allegedly approving a move for Ronaldo. This shift would mean minimal disruption for Ronaldo’s family, while also aligning with Infantino’s vision.
Brazilian Challenge: A New Continent, A New Goal
Spanish publication Marca recently claimed that an unnamed Brazilian club had submitted an offer for Ronaldo. With Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense all competing in the Club World Cup, a Brazilian adventure could be on the cards.
Botafogo manager Renato Paiva hinted at openness to the move, stating: "Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that... Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good."
Al-Nassr: Could He Stay After All?
Despite his farewell-style post, some reports claim Ronaldo could remain at Al-Nassr, potentially signing a new contract after a short-term Club World Cup stint with another team.
According to talkSPORT, such a move would be unprecedented—joining a club temporarily for the tournament before returning to Al-Nassr. This route would keep Ronaldo in the spotlight while satisfying Infantino’s promotional ambitions.
Inter Miami: A Dream Team with Messi?
Perhaps the most tantalising scenario for fans: a move to Inter Miami that would see Ronaldo join forces with longtime rival Lionel Messi.
The MLS side, co-owned by David Beckham, already features stars such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and manager Javier Mascherano—all former La Liga adversaries of Ronaldo. With room for one more Designated Player, the door is open.
Sporting Lisbon: A Sentimental Return Home
A return to where it all began could be on the horizon. Sporting Lisbon, where Ronaldo rose through the academy before joining Manchester United in 2003, may be in need of a marquee striker as Viktor Gyokeres is expected to depart.
The move would be steeped in emotion and narrative value. As the Portuguese legend continues chasing 1,000 career goals and eyes the 2026 World Cup, Sporting could provide the ideal final European chapter. His mother has long expressed the desire for her son to return to his homeland, making this a romantic possibility.
Galatasaray: One Last Dance in Europe
Finally, Turkish giants Galatasaray have emerged as an intriguing option. Fresh off winning three consecutive Super Lig titles and boasting Champions League qualification, the club offers both competitive football and a familiar pattern of signing ageing stars.
Ronaldo could relish a final European campaign on the biggest stage while padding his record as the Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Reports suggest Galatasaray are monitoring his situation closely, especially amid uncertainty over their current striker Victor Osimhen.
As the world awaits his next move, one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s story is far from over. Whether it leads to a blockbuster reunion with Messi, a homecoming in Lisbon, or another headline move, the next chapter will be closely watched.
