Cristiano Ronaldo, the end of his time at Al Nassr?

It's over. That is the interpretation that can be drawn regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) after the Portuguese footballer posted a cryptic message on social networks in which he seems to bring forward the end of his time with the team.

"This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all," wrote CR7 in a publication on X to which he accompanied by a photograph of himself wearing the Al Nassr jersey.

The truth is that the 40-year-old Portuguese star terminates his contract on June 30, and there are no signs that he will extend it. As a result, rumors surrounding his future have exploded and a wide range of possible destinations have opened up, including Sporting CP (the team where he began his career) and Chelsea (with whom he would return to the Premier League). Other destinations include Botafogo and Flamengo (Brazil), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Monterrey (Mexico) and even MLS, although there was no speculation about the name of any specific team.

Club World Cup in Ronaldo's sights

Rumors are also circulating that he would stay in Saudi Arabia, but wearing the jersey of Al Hilal, which will play the FIFA Club World Cup from June 14. Al Nassr will not be there.

The ambition of CR7 is well known. He proved it in each of the teams he played for during his career - Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr, in addition to the Portugal national team-. He wants to make his mark on everything and win everything, and he knows that, should he renew and continue with his current team, he will not be able to do so at the Club World Cup.

In fact, if Ronaldo wants to play in the Club World Cup, he would have to leave Al Nassr before June 30. And he could do so, since FIFA has enabled a transfer window before the competition starts so that participating teams can reinforce. It is an asset that plays in favor of the Portuguese star.

His statistics at Al Nassr

Ronaldo landed in Saudi Arabia in January 2023, signing a two-and-a-half season contract with Al Nassr for around $210 million (€200 million) per season. In other words, at this stage, he has pocketed around $530 million, that's not counting sponsorships, investments and other extra-sporting matters. With his arrival and that of others—such as Karim Benzema and Neymar—the Saudi league proved that, with money, many dreams can come true.

In the two-and-a-half seasons that CR7 has been in Saudi Arabia, he has not disappointed, scoring 93 goals in 105 games played. Mind you, he hasn't won a single title.

Many—mostly Ronaldo's detractors—point out that the level of the Saudi competition is lower than others such as LaLiga, the Premier League or Serie A, and that may be beneficial for players of the Portuguese star's characteristics.