Where next for Cristiano Ronaldo? A move to Saudi rivals, a sensational MLS link-up with Lionel Messi or an emotional homecoming after Al-Nassr superstar dropped major hint on future

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

It was the news that broke the internet - Cristiano Ronaldo 's bombshell hint on his future.
Posting to his X account after Al-Nassr's final game of the season, he wrote: 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.'
The post, which appeared to indicate Ronaldo's time at Al-Nassr is up after his £173million-per-year contract expired, concludes what has been a mixed two-and-a-half years in the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
While Ronaldo did score 93 goals and add 19 assists in 105 games, his only trophy came in the Arab Club Champions Cup and Al-Nassr were well of the pace in the SPL across his three seasons.
Hints of his departure come just days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino boldly claimed Ronaldo could play at the Club World Cup this summer - despite his team not qualifying.
Speaking in a surprise interview appearance alongside streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: 'Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions.'
News of his exit comes just days after FIFA president Gianni Infantino boldly claimed that Ronaldo could play in the Club World Cup this summer despite his team not qualifying
Pushed on whether Ronaldo would play in the competition, Infantino doubled down, responding: 'Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah.
'There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.'
However, the superstar's representatives were said to be unhappy with Infantino's comments on his future.
Nevertheless, in light of the recent developments and with Ronaldo having previously expressed his desire to represent Portugal at next summer's World Cup at the age of 41, Mail Sport has taken a look at where he could end up next.
Al-Hilal
After Al-Nassr missed out on qualifying for the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup, Al-Hilal are the only Saudi side who will compete in the United States.
Their squad already includes famous names such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Cancelo and they have enjoyed the better of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in recent years.
Reports have claimed Ronaldo is already in talks about joining the Saudi side, with one outlet in the kingdom claiming Al-Hilal's board have agreed to sign the 40-year-old.
The club, like Al-Nassr, are backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, while they are similarly based in Riyadh, meaning that there would be limited upheaval for Ronaldo's family.
Given the lofty expectations of Al-Hilal and the fact it would back up Infantino's claim of Ronaldo being at the Club World Cup, this move would make sense.
Brazilian option
Having conquered Europe during his illustrious playing career and then dominated the SPL on a personal level, a new continent could be up next for Ronaldo.
Again, lining up with Infantino's claims about a potential Club World Cup appearance, Spanish publication Marca recently reported an unnamed Brazilian club had tabled an offer to Ronaldo.
Botafogo, Flamenga, Palmeiras and Fluminense are the four Brazilian clubs who are set to play at the tournament.
And Botafogo coach Renato Paiva recently appeared open to the swoop as he told reporters: 'Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that. I don't know anything - I'm just answering the question.
'But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.'
Ronaldo had posted the cryptic statement on his future to his account on X on Monday evening
Al-Nassr
This would be the most boring of Ronaldo's potential options, but some reports have suggested that the 40-year-old's future could remain intertwined with Al-Nassr.
On the one hand, there is a chance that despite Ronaldo's hints he could sign a new deal at the club.
However, talkSPORT has reported that the forward may join a Club World Cup team for the duration of the tournament, before rejoining Al-Nassr.
If that was to be the case, it would raise eyebrows in what would be an unprecedented move, while whoever did take Ronaldo for the competition could face an interesting dynamic.
Nevertheless, it is clear that Infantino is desperate to have as many eyes as possible on the Club World Cup and Ronaldo's presence would fulfil that aim.
Inter Miami
This is the most tantalising of moves for football fans.
Lionel Messi and Ronaldo in the same team after all of those years battling as the best players in the world could set up a memorable period for football.
Inter Miami already have star power not only in David Beckham's ownership, but also with Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets within their squad, while legendary Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano is their manager.
The quintet were all El Clasico rivals of Ronaldo's during his time at Real Madrid, but given MLS sides can sign three designated players - stars who count outside their salary cap - and Miami only have two currently, this could happen.
A move to Miami would also ensure supporters of Ronaldo and Messi - who have long traded barbs in debating which star is better - come together, in a fascinating prospect.
Sporting Lisbon
The emotional option, but it would be some story for Ronaldo to return to his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
The 40-year-old spent five years in Sporting's academy before enjoying a sole season in the first team until he linked up with Manchester United.
With Sporting's star striker Viktor Gyokeres widely expected to depart this summer, there is a void in attack and Ronaldo has never won the Portuguese title.
Wages could potentially be an issue, but with Ronaldo outspoken in his desire to reach 1,000 career goals and play at the World Cup with Portugal, this move may prove to be the perfect match.
Ronaldo's mother has always expressed her desire to see him return to his homeland at some point, and if not now, it feels unlikely it will ever happen.
Ronaldo's mother has always expressed her desire to see him return to Portugal at some point
Galatasaray
Galatasaray are in the midst of one of the best periods in the club's history after winning three successive Turkish titles.
The Turkish league has long been known for offering a home for superstars coming towards the back end of their career, a criteria Ronaldo fits into perfectly.
Some reports have linked Ronaldo with a move to Okan Buruk's squad, particularly with the future of star striker Victor Osimhen uncertain
Galatasaray will also play in the Champions League next season, giving Ronaldo one last chance to extend his lead as the tournament's record goalscorer.