By Harvey Muldoon

The Portuguese star could be eyeing a move away from the Saudi league after he recently refused to play.

Back in 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo made a perplexing move to Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, after disagreements with former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag. The transfer spurred a movement amongst a multitude of footballers across Europe, both old and young.

Since Ronaldo’s arrival in the Middle East, the Saudi Pro League has grown exponentially in both popularity (both among fans and players) and revenue, with young players such as Jhon Duran, Joao Felix, Darwin Nunez, Moussa Diaby, and many more, transitioning to the highly lucrative ‘money league’ away from Europe.

Ronaldo has also publicly spoken on interviews in the past with Piers Morgan and former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand about his admiration for the Saudi League. Over the years he often praised the league, claiming it’s a step above the French and Portuguese leagues, Ligue 1 and Primeira Liga respectively.

Ronaldo scores a stunning overhead kick in November 2025 against Al Khaleej via Getty Images

His tune has changed recently however, criticising the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund) for – to what Ronaldo perceives – putting more money into rival clubs such as Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.

Following this, Ronaldo has removed himself from his clubs’ recent fixtures, directly refusing to play, and is now considering his future. Officials at the club are hoping for him to return for Friday’s fixture against Al Ittihad, as he is contractually obliged to play unless injured.

Since Ronaldo’s three-year tenure at Al Nassr could be coming to a close, the all-important question is now posed. Where could he be going this summer in preparation for the 2026 World Cup?

Based on social media buzz, fans across the world are adamant in the idea a 41-year-old Cristiano could still perform at a high level across many big clubs across Europe, akin to his return to Manchester United in 2021.

Ronaldo lifts the Champions League trophy in May 2018 after beating Liverpool in the final via Getty Images

Here’s the potential clubs Ronaldo could gravitate towards/be realistically linked with:

An MLS move: Many clubs in the MLS have shown interest in signing Ronaldo, with some standout options for him:

Inter Miami: This would be a dream transfer for many fans, watching Messi and Ronaldo playing alongside each other for the first time, and Inter Miami would be more than willing to pay the $60 million release clause to add to their star-studded squad under David Beckham’s ownership.

LAFC / LA Galaxy: Either club works as an effective option here, offering Ronaldo the exuberant Los Angeles lifestyle. LAFC also had former teammate of Ronaldo’s, Gareth Bale, in their squad a few years ago.

Return to boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon:

Given Ronaldo’s age, a comeback to Sporting would be fitting. Closing off his career where it all began and offering him a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League would be an appropriate ending to his career.

Other potential European candidates: Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United, etc.

These are type of clubs competing in either the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League that could profit off a ‘one-year Ronaldo’ project, greatly increasing their commercial success and sale revenue. These clubs don’t necessarily compete at the top level either domestically or in Europe but are high-profile enough for an aged Ronaldo to consider the move.

Ronaldo’s time at Al Nassr could be coming to a bitter end...