Ronaldo considers Al Nassr exit as summer options emerge
Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a dramatic departure from Al Nassr this summer, with the Portugal captain weighing up a move to Major League Soccer or a return to Europe after growing frustration in Saudi Arabia.
The 41 year old has a €50 million release clause in his contract and is not short of interest, with reports in Portugal suggesting his relationship with the Saudi Pro League power structure has become increasingly strained.
Ronaldo has yet to win the league title with Al Nassr and is understood to be unhappy with the influence of the Public Investment Fund, which controls several top Saudi clubs. He reportedly believes decisions at ownership level are being made to favour Al Hilal, including the high profile switch of his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
Despite his impact on and off the pitch, Ronaldo feels his contribution has not been matched with the respect he expected. He has played a central role in raising the league’s global profile and has also been named an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid, yet tensions have continued to build.
That frustration appeared to surface this week when Ronaldo was absent from Al Nassr’s narrow 1 0 win over Al Riyadh. While the club remain firmly in the title race, just one point behind Al Hilal, his omission raised further questions about his immediate future.
Earlier in the season, Ronaldo had publicly spoken about his commitment to the Saudi project, highlighting his desire to see long term growth across the league and youth academies. He also pointed to winning the 2023 King Salman Arab Clubs Cup as a defining moment, scoring twice in a dramatic final victory over Al Hilal.
The atmosphere around Al Nassr now feels more uncertain. Matches have taken on a sharper edge, particularly with political undertones surrounding the title race and the involvement of PIF across multiple clubs. Ronaldo has remained a focal point, both as the league’s biggest star and its most scrutinised figure.
On the pitch, his influence remains clear, but questions persist over squad balance and decision making above the coaching level. Former manager Stefano Pioli has previously highlighted Ronaldo’s professionalism and leadership, describing him as the standard setter within the group and someone trusted to guide younger players.
As the season reaches its decisive phase, attention is already shifting toward what comes next. Al Nassr face Al Ittihad on Friday in a potentially explosive encounter, especially if Ronaldo is again missing from the lineup.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and no plans to retire, Ronaldo’s next move could shape the final chapter of his career. Whether that leads him back to Europe or into a high profile showdown with Lionel Messi in the United States, the coming months promise to be pivotal for both player and club.