Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al Nassr as farewell announcement looms

Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia appears to be drawing to a close. According to MARCA, Al Nassr are preparing to confirm the Portuguese star’s departure in a press conference scheduled for Thursday. While neither the club nor the player has issued an official statement, Ronaldo hinted at a farewell with a social media post:

"This chapter has ended. The story? It continues. I’m grateful to everyone."

Goals, records and legacy in Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2023 at the age of 38 and delivered exceptional performances despite his age. He scored 93 goals in 105 matches and finished as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for two consecutive seasons. While the numbers were impressive, recent signs suggest he is preparing for the next chapter of his career.

Leadership and influence at Al Nassr

Beyond the goals, Ronaldo played a decisive role inside the dressing room. Head coach Stefano Pioli said:

"He lives for the team, he helps, he advises. Sometimes I let him talk to the players. I can’t treat him like the others, but he’s intelligent and he respects his role and mine."

Al Nassr CEO Guido Fienga echoed that sentiment:

"Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and the strongest player in the world. He doesn't control the club, but obviously, being number one in the world, he gives us directions on the path we should follow and what goals we have to achieve."

What comes next: scenarios and speculation

There has been no official confirmation regarding Ronaldo’s next destination. AS reports that CF Monterrey from Mexico may be a contender, with former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos already at the club. According to the report, Ronaldo’s desire to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is a key factor driving such potential moves.

The Sun has floated the idea of a symbolic short-term return to Real Madrid, linking the possibility to Ronaldo’s ambition of ending his career on a high-profile stage. However, no talks between the parties have been confirmed.

Club World Cup: a final global stage

Attention is now turning to the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States. This tournament could offer Ronaldo one last appearance on a global platform. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently commented on the situation:

"There are discussions with some clubs. Ronaldo playing in the tournament is possible. If some clubs are watching… who knows?"

Ronaldo's impact on Saudi football

Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia marked a defining shift in the league’s global visibility. According to Okaz, Al Nassr sold over 2 million shirts within 48 hours of his signing, generating an estimated 240 million Saudi riyals in revenue.

This commercial boom was accompanied by a surge in media coverage and international interest. Ronaldo’s move also set the precedent for several elite players to follow, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N’Golo Kanté — raising both the competitiveness and commercial power of the Saudi Pro League.

A new page in the making

Ronaldo’s stint at Al Nassr marked a defining phase in his post-European career, packed with goals, headlines, and influence. That chapter now appears to be closing. What follows won’t just be a transfer decision — it will shape how one of football’s greatest icons takes his final bow.

His next jersey remains unknown, but one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo won’t exit the stage quietly. The only question is where the final scene will be set.