Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most recognisable figures in world football more than two decades after making his Manchester United debut.

The Portuguese forward first arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, developing into a global superstar under Sir Alex Ferguson before joining Real Madrid six years later.

Ronaldo completed an emotional return to United in 2021 and scored 27 goals across 54 appearances, but his second spell ended in acrimonious circumstances following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

His contract was terminated by mutual consent in November 2022, shortly before Portugal began their World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently joined Al Nassr in January 2023, becoming the highest-profile player to move to the Saudi Pro League and helping attract greater global attention to the competition.

However, Ronaldo could reportedly bring his time in Saudi Arabia to an end during the January transfer window.

Saudi journalist Saud Al-Sarami, who previously served as a spokesperson for Al Nassr, has made the remarkable claim that the 41-year-old is approaching the end of his time with the club.

“Cristiano has become a player who is running out of steam for Al Nassr, and I believe he will leave during the winter transfer window,” Al-Sarami said during an appearance on an Al Arabiya Sports podcast, as relayed by Foot Mercato.

His comments have inevitably sparked speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future, although they currently represent the personal opinion of the journalist rather than confirmation of Al Nassr’s plans.

Ronaldo remains the captain and leading figure at the Saudi club, having signed a new two-year contract in June 2025 that is scheduled to run until the summer of 2027.

Any January departure would therefore require Al Nassr to sanction a transfer or reach an agreement with the forward over the remainder of his lucrative deal.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo’s commercial appeal and goalscoring reputation mean there would inevitably be interest if he became available.

A third spell at Manchester United can realistically be discounted following the manner of his previous departure and his public criticism of the club.

Retirement could also become a consideration as Ronaldo approaches the conclusion of his extraordinary career, although he has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to continue competing and pursuing further individual records.

For now, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr, but Al-Sarami’s explosive prediction has raised the possibility that another move could arrive as early as January.