The time at Al-Nassr for Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be coming to an end after the team’s qualification failure for the AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League, despite Ronaldo’s record 25 goals this season, placing behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
In a heart-breaking social media message following the season’s last game—a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh—Ronaldo wrote, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” which seemed to be hinting at leaving the Saudi club.
Ronaldo signed a contract with Al-Nassr in late 2022, which is to run out this summer. In his time there, he scored 99 goals in 105 games and was the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for two consecutive years.
Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s next step involves possible involvement at the next FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., either by way of a short-term deal or fresh club signing. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested talks over Ronaldo’s participation in the tournament, which kicks off on June 14.