Why Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Al Nassr exit after final-day heartbreak in Saudi Pro League

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked fresh speculation over his future after Al Nassr’s season ended in dramatic fashion — and without silverware. The 40-year-old Portuguese legend took to social media shortly after a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh on the final day of the Saudi Pro League, posting a cryptic message: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”

With his contract expiring this summer and no announcement of an extension, Ronaldo appears to be signalling the end of his Saudi stint. His next destination? Possibly a short-term move for the newly expanded Fifa Club World Cup.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that an unnamed Brazilian side has made a significant offer to bring Ronaldo in for the Club World Cup, set to begin on June 14 in the United States. Among the clubs believed to be in the mix are Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirmed last week that there are “discussions” underway. Speaking to streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams at the Club World Cup. If any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo… who knows?”

If the move materialises, fans could be treated to a Ronaldo vs Messi showdown, with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi’s current club — also set to feature in the 32-team tournament.

Al Nassr’s season ended on a sour note with a defeat to Al Fateh, despite Ronaldo opening the scoring and later assisting Sadio Mane. The match saw end-to-end drama — Ronaldo’s header was cancelled out by Vargas just before half-time, and although Mane gave them a late lead, goals from Batna and Ferreira completed Al Fateh’s stunning comeback.

Ronaldo, who had earlier been denied by a brilliant save from Al Nassr loanee Nawaf Al Aqidi, cut a frustrated figure as his side threw away the result in stoppage time. Al Nassr’s qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite still came through — courtesy of Al Hilal’s win over fourth-placed Al Qadsiah — but the sting of the final defeat lingered.

While Al Nassr faltered in big moments this season, Ronaldo continued to make history. He became the first player ever to score 800 club goals — with tallies of 5 for Sporting, 145 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, 101 for Juventus, and 99 for Al Nassr.

He also retained the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 25 goals, following his 35-goal haul the previous season.

After Al Nassr were knocked out of the AFC Champions League semi-finals by Kawasaki Frontale last week, Ronaldo had posted a heartfelt message: “Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team… Thank you to all the fans who believed in us.”

That tone shifted on Monday night. With his future up in the air and the Club World Cup looming, Ronaldo’s post-game words suggest he may have played his last for Al Nassr — or at least in Saudi Arabia. Only time will tell how and where the next chapter of his legendary career will unfold.