Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese superstar, posted a cryptic message on social media declaring “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” The statement, released just hours after Al-Nassr’s final Saudi Pro League game of the 2024-2025 season, has been widely interpreted as a strong hint that his time with the Saudi club is coming to an end.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire on June 30, 2025, and despite media reports suggesting a preliminary agreement for renewal, no official decision has been announced by either the player or the club. The timing of his post, coupled with Al-Nassr’s disappointing season, has fueled intense speculation about his future.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a lucrative deal, becoming the face of the Saudi Pro League. His arrival brought unprecedented global attention to Saudi Arabian football. While he has delivered on the goal-scoring front, netting 99 goals in 111 appearances across all competitions for the club, team success has been limited.
The 2024-2025 season concluded with Al-Nassr finishing third in the Saudi Pro League, behind champions Al-Ittihad and rivals Al-Hilal. This meant they missed out on a spot in the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite, instead qualifying for the second-tier AFC Champions League 2. Despite Ronaldo ending the league as the top scorer with 25 goals, the lack of major trophies has been a persistent frustration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The final match of the season saw Al-Nassr lose 3-2 to Al-Fateh, further compounding the disappointment. It was after this match that Ronaldo’s evocative post appeared, featuring him in an Al-Nassr jersey.
Decoding the Cryptic Message
The phrase “This chapter is over” has been the subject of intense debate among fans and analysts. While some suggest it merely signifies the end of the 2024-2025 season, the broader consensus points towards a more definitive conclusion to his tenure at Al-Nassr. The accompanying “The story? Still being written” firmly dismisses any notion of retirement, indicating Ronaldo’s desire to continue his illustrious career elsewhere.
Potential Destinations and Transfer Rumors
With his contract nearing its end, the rumour mill is already in overdrive regarding Ronaldo’s next move. Several potential destinations have emerged:
- FIFA Club World Cup Opportunity: A significant development is the new “exceptional transfer window” running from June 1-10, allowing the 32 clubs participating in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup to sign players. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has openly stated efforts are being made to facilitate Ronaldo’s participation, even suggesting discussions with interested clubs. This has led to speculation about short-term loan deals for the tournament.
- Return to Europe or MLS: A sentimental return to his boyhood club Sporting CP in Portugal remains a popular fan choice. Furthermore, a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States could reignite his legendary rivalry with Lionel Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami.
- Other Saudi Clubs or Brazil: Reports have also linked him to other Saudi clubs, notably Al-Hilal, and Brazilian clubs like Palmeiras and Botafogo. However, some of these clubs face FIFA bans on registering new signings.
Interestingly, Al-Nassr reportedly offered Ronaldo a contract extension with a significant pay cut (more than half his current €200 million annual salary) in exchange for a 5% ownership stake in the team and other investment benefits in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo has yet to respond to this offer.
