Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked speculation about his future after hinting at a possible departure from Al Nassr, saying on social media, “This chapter is over,” just hours after the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League season.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star, who joined Al Nassr from Manchester United in late 2022, is out of contract this summer. His cryptic message, accompanied by a photo in the club’s shirt, has fueled rumors that his time in Saudi Arabia may be coming to an end.
Ronaldo finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 24 goals, but Al Nassr failed to win silverware—finishing third in the league and falling to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League semi-finals.
A special transfer window from June 1 to 10 has been opened for the 32 clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, though Al Nassr is not among them. Saudi rivals Al Hilal, however, have qualified.
Speculation about Ronaldo’s next move has intensified, especially after FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted at the possibility of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner featuring in the expanded Club World Cup, which kicks off June 14 in the United States.
“There are discussions,” Infantino said in an interview with YouTuber IShowSpeed. “And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams at the Club World Cup. If any club is watching and interested in signing Ronaldo for the tournament… who knows?”
Despite previously stating he could end his career at Al Nassr, Ronaldo now appears to be weighing his options. Meanwhile, his longtime rival Lionel Messi will be part of the Club World Cup with Inter Miami.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Ronaldo’s next chapter remains one of the most closely watched stories in world football.