Cristiano Ronaldo's Next Club After Al-Nassr: What's Next for CR7?

 

Cristiano Ronaldo's Next Club After Al-Nassr: What's Next for CR7?

As Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr approaches its end in June 2025, speculation about his next move is rife. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has hinted at a departure from the Saudi Pro League side with a cryptic social media post following Al-Nassr’s final match of the 2024/25 season: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” This statement, coupled with his remarkable goal-scoring form—34 goals in 40 appearances this season—has fueled discussions about where Ronaldo might play next.





Ronaldo’s Time at Al-Nassr

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been a transformative figure for the club and the Saudi Pro League. His arrival, on a record-breaking contract reportedly worth €200 million per year, sparked a wave of high-profile signings in the league, including players like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, and Aymeric Laporte. Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to the Arab Club Champions Cup title in 2023, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over rivals Al-Hilal. He also set a new record for the most goals in a single Saudi Pro League season with 35 in 2023/24.

Despite these achievements, Al-Nassr fell short of major titles like the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League, finishing third in the 2024/25 season and missing out on AFC Champions League qualification. This lack of silverware, combined with Ronaldo’s ambition to add more trophies to his illustrious career, has led to speculation that he may seek a new challenge.

Potential Destinations

Ronaldo has ruled out retirement, stating he plans to continue playing as long as he remains motivated, potentially for another one or two years. Several clubs and leagues have been linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, being a focal point of interest. Below are some of the most prominent possibilities:

1. Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)

One of the most intriguing rumors is a potential move to Al-Nassr’s rivals, Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. Al-Hilal, who have won four of the last five league titles, are the only Saudi club qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup. A move to Al-Hilal would allow Ronaldo to stay in Saudi Arabia, where he has become a vocal ambassador for the league, and pursue his goal of winning the AFC Champions League. Reports suggest Al-Hilal are considering Ronaldo as a replacement for the injury-prone Neymar, with a potential transfer as early as January 2025.

2. Brazilian Clubs (Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, or Palmeiras)

Spanish outlet Marca reported that Ronaldo has received a significant offer from an unnamed Brazilian club to participate in the 2025 Club World Cup, where four Brazilian teams—Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras—are set to compete. Botafogo, in particular, has been linked, though their manager, Renato Pavia, has not confirmed the speculation. A move to Brazil could be a short-term deal to feature in the tournament, offering Ronaldo a chance to compete against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and add global exposure to his legacy.

3. Wydad (Morocco)

Another surprising possibility is Moroccan club Wydad, who are reportedly keen to sign Ronaldo for the 2025 Club World Cup to boost their competitiveness and global profile. This move would align with Ronaldo’s desire to play in high-profile tournaments and could serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities.

4. European Return (Sporting CP, Manchester City, or Others)

A return to Europe has been discussed, with Ronaldo’s boyhood club, Sporting CP, frequently mentioned as a romantic option to close out his career. However, his high wage demands and the physical intensity of European leagues may make this challenging. Manchester City has also been floated as a potential destination, given their financial power and competitive edge in the Premier League. Still, reports indicate a European return is less likely compared to other options.

5. Major League Soccer (MLS)

Despite Ronaldo’s earlier claim that the Saudi Pro League is “better than MLS,” a move to the United States has not been ruled out, especially with the 2025 Club World Cup hosted there. Clubs like LA Galaxy, the 2024 MLS Cup champions, could afford Ronaldo’s wages and offer a platform to compete against Messi’s Inter Miami. This move could also align with Ronaldo’s commercial interests and global brand.

6. Ownership Role (Almeria, Spain)

Beyond playing, Ronaldo has been linked with an ambitious takeover of Spanish club Almeria, which is fighting for promotion to La Liga. While this would likely be an ownership role rather than a playing one, it reflects Ronaldo’s long-term interest in club management after retirement.

Club World Cup Ambitions

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has fueled speculation by suggesting Ronaldo could feature in the 2025 Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify. FIFA’s introduction of an additional transfer window from June 1-10, 2025, specifically for Club World Cup participants, makes a short-term move to a qualifying club feasible. Ronaldo’s desire to compete in this expanded 32-team tournament, which includes powerhouses like Inter Miami, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, could be a key factor in his decision.

Ronaldo’s Motivation

At 40, Ronaldo remains a goal-scoring machine, with 800 club goals and counting, and is chasing the milestone of 1,000 career goals. His competitive drive, evidenced by his record as the top scorer in four different leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Saudi Pro League), suggests he will choose a club that offers a realistic chance at silverware. Additionally, Ronaldo has expressed a desire to play in the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, which may influence him to join a club that keeps him in top form.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move remains uncertain, but his options are vast, ranging from staying in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal to exploring new challenges in Brazil, Morocco, or the MLS. His cryptic post and FIFA’s comments about the Club World Cup suggest a high-profile transfer could be on the horizon. Wherever he goes, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest players ensures his next chapter will be closely watched by fans worldwide.

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