Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players to have ever played football in the history of the game. After a disappointing season with Al Nassr, finishing fourth in the Saudi Pro League, the question that arises is whether Ronaldo is leaving Al Nassr as his contract expires on 30 June 2025.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022, after the FIFA World Cup. Since then, he has probably been the person who has changed the scene of Saudi Arabian football. Ronaldo has not only scored goals, but because of him, many big names followed him to play in the Saudi Pro League, including young players. Some of the big names include Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson.
The reception he is receiving is surely not fair. Recently, in one of the last matches, we saw a fan asking Cristiano not to extend his contract with Al Nassr. Earlier, Ronaldo thought he was asking for a signed jersey, but later realized what the fan exactly wanted to say. This is heartbreaking to watch as a football fan.
More Stuff:
Is Ronaldo leaving Al-Nassr to play at the FIFA Club World Cup?
In the past three seasons, Al Nassr has failed to win the Saudi Pro League. Finishing second twice, and this season they finished fourth, which also states they won’t be playing in the AFC Champions League. Should only Ronaldo be blamed for this? Surely not.
Cristiano is 40 and has done more than he could, scoring almost 100 goals in three seasons. Ronaldo has also won the Golden Boot twice in a row. He scored 25 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season and provided three assists in the 30 matches he played.
After the match, he posted an Instagram post that mentioned “Chapter is over.” This surely states his journey can be over with the Saudi side, Al Nassr.
With the FIFA Club World Cup coming nearer, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino will want Ronaldo to be a part of it. This will surely boost the marketing and viewership. As Lionel Messi also plays in the FIFA Club World Cup, this can be one last team we can see them compete against each other at the club level.
What can be his next possible destination?
There is no doubt that at 40 years of age, teams will want Ronaldo to be part of their squad. Ronaldo sets himself as an example to all the young footballers and is still able to compete with them. The body is surely a bit slow compared to his prime, but he still has more to offer, not just goals.
Eventually, there are big rumours of Cristiano Ronaldo signing for a Brazilian club that is playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. The clubs that are playing in the competition are Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo. It is unclear which club can sign him.
As of now, there are no rumours of him joining any big European club. If he comes back to Europe, it will surely be very good news for the football fans. We will have a clear picture of Ronaldo’s next club in the coming weeks before the FIFA Club World Cup.