Ronaldo To Announce Club Exit As He Rejects Contract Extension

Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Al-Nassr is reportedly coming to an end, as the football legend prepares to officially announce his departure from the Saudi club today. Despite being offered a staggering £167 million-per-year contract extension, Ronaldo has opted not to renew his deal, signaling the conclusion of a significant chapter in his iconic career.

Hints of Ronaldo's exit began surfacing earlier this week when the 40-year-old forward took to social media, posting a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter):
“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
The message followed Al-Nassr’s third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, a result that likely fell short of both club and player expectations.

Ronaldo's next destination remains uncertain, sparking intense speculation across the football world. Rumors suggest potential moves to Major League Soccer (MLS), Brazilian clubs, Turkish teams, or even a fairytale return to his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon. There's also talk of interest from Saudi rivals Al-Hilal, especially as they prepare for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup later this year.

Despite nearing the end of a remarkable playing career, Ronaldo remains fiercely motivated. He has publicly declared his ambition to score 1,000 career goals — an incredible milestone that requires him to find the back of the net 64 more times, with his current tally sitting at 936. Reaching that mark will likely require two or three more seasons at the top level.

During his time with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo was nothing short of prolific. He netted 99 goals in all competitions, becoming the face of Saudi football’s rapid global expansion. His presence significantly raised the profile of the league, attracted major sponsorships, and opened the door for other European stars to make similar moves.

Reports from Spanish outlet Marca indicate that a formal press conference confirming his departure will be held today. Meanwhile, UK-based talkSPORT claims Al-Nassr is already looking toward the future and has set its sights on Liverpool winger Luis Díaz as a potential replacement. The Colombian star, who remains under contract with the Reds until 2027, is said to be at the top of Al-Nassr’s wish list as they seek to maintain their competitive edge.

Adding fuel to the speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s next move, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted that the Portuguese forward might still feature in the upcoming Club World Cup — despite Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify.
“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are discussions... who knows?”

For now, fans worldwide await Ronaldo’s next move, as the curtain closes on a historic chapter in Saudi Arabian football. His next destination, wherever it may be, promises to continue rewriting the football narrative.