Tension is brewing in the Saudi football scene as top officials engage in what has been described as “difficult” negotiations to keep Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Saudi Pro League beyond this season. Sources close to the matter, including a senior official from the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), disclosed to AFP that Ronaldo’s future with Al Nassr is hanging in the balance.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in early 2023 following a dramatic exit from Manchester United, has been the face of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football revolution. His presence triggered a wave of high-profile player transfers to the Gulf state, attracting global attention and positioning the Saudi Pro League as a growing powerhouse in the sport. However, the 40-year-old forward sent shockwaves across the football world earlier this week after posting cryptically on social media: “This chapter is over,” following the end of the Saudi league season, where Al Nassr finished third and failed to secure any silverware.
While speculation of an imminent exit has gained momentum, officials familiar with the ongoing talks say Saudi stakeholders are pulling out all the stops to keep Ronaldo in the league. According to the source within the PIF—a key financial backer behind Al Nassr and other top Saudi clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli—there are strong efforts to convince Ronaldo to either remain at Al Nassr or transfer to another PIF-backed team, such as Al Hilal, who will participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this June.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play in the Saudi Pro League next season,” the source revealed. “The first option being considered is a transfer to Al Hilal, giving him the platform to feature at the Club World Cup, or possibly to Asian champions Al Ahli.”
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to be recognised globally has heavily leaned on Ronaldo’s star power. In the last two and a half years, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not only led Al Nassr’s attacking line with 25 league goals this season but also drawn unprecedented international viewership and media coverage to Saudi domestic football.
Despite his scoring prowess, Ronaldo has yet to deliver major silverware for Al Nassr, who recently exited the Asian Champions League at the semi-final stage. His struggles echo the fate of fellow global superstar Neymar, who left Al Hilal earlier this year after a short-lived and injury-ridden stint, reportedly earning around $104 million annually.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during a recent chat with popular content creator IShowSpeed, hinted at the possibility of Ronaldo’s participation in the 32-team Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. “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,” Infantino said, adding to the suspense surrounding Ronaldo’s next move.
While Lionel Messi is already confirmed to feature in the tournament with Inter Miami, Ronaldo’s potential involvement would not only reignite the iconic rivalry between the two football legends but also boost the global appeal of the competition.
A special transfer window has been scheduled for June 1–10 to allow participating clubs in the Club World Cup to bolster their squads. As the date draws near, all eyes are on the PIF and Saudi officials to see whether they can succeed in keeping the poster boy of their football revolution within their ranks—or whether Ronaldo will chart a new path in his illustrious career.
Saudi Arabia continues to stake its claim in the global football arena, with Ronaldo’s transfer being the cornerstone of its strategy, and preparations already underway to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Uncertainty Over Ronaldo’s Future as Saudis Battle to Retain Star Amid Club World Cup Speculations
Tension is brewing in the Saudi football scene as top officials engage in what has been described as “difficult” negotiations to keep Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Saudi Pro League beyond this season. Sources close to the matter, including a senior official from the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), disclosed to AFP that Ronaldo’s future with Al Nassr is hanging in the balance.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in early 2023 following a dramatic exit from Manchester United, has been the face of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football revolution. His presence triggered a wave of high-profile player transfers to the Gulf state, attracting global attention and positioning the Saudi Pro League as a growing powerhouse in the sport. However, the 40-year-old forward sent shockwaves across the football world earlier this week after posting cryptically on social media: “This chapter is over,” following the end of the Saudi league season, where Al Nassr finished third and failed to secure any silverware.
While speculation of an imminent exit has gained momentum, officials familiar with the ongoing talks say Saudi stakeholders are pulling out all the stops to keep Ronaldo in the league. According to the source within the PIF—a key financial backer behind Al Nassr and other top Saudi clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli—there are strong efforts to convince Ronaldo to either remain at Al Nassr or transfer to another PIF-backed team, such as Al Hilal, who will participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this June.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play in the Saudi Pro League next season,” the source revealed. “The first option being considered is a transfer to Al Hilal, giving him the platform to feature at the Club World Cup, or possibly to Asian champions Al Ahli.”
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to be recognised globally has heavily leaned on Ronaldo’s star power. In the last two and a half years, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not only led Al Nassr’s attacking line with 25 league goals this season but also drawn unprecedented international viewership and media coverage to Saudi domestic football.
Despite his scoring prowess, Ronaldo has yet to deliver major silverware for Al Nassr, who recently exited the Asian Champions League at the semi-final stage. His struggles echo the fate of fellow global superstar Neymar, who left Al Hilal earlier this year after a short-lived and injury-ridden stint, reportedly earning around $104 million annually.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during a recent chat with popular content creator IShowSpeed, hinted at the possibility of Ronaldo’s participation in the 32-team Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. “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,” Infantino said, adding to the suspense surrounding Ronaldo’s next move.
While Lionel Messi is already confirmed to feature in the tournament with Inter Miami, Ronaldo’s potential involvement would not only reignite the iconic rivalry between the two football legends but also boost the global appeal of the competition.
A special transfer window has been scheduled for June 1–10 to allow participating clubs in the Club World Cup to bolster their squads. As the date draws near, all eyes are on the PIF and Saudi officials to see whether they can succeed in keeping the poster boy of their football revolution within their ranks—or whether Ronaldo will chart a new path in his illustrious career.
Saudi Arabia continues to stake its claim in the global football arena, with Ronaldo’s transfer being the cornerstone of its strategy, and preparations already underway to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.Uncertainty Over Ronaldo’s Future as Saudis Battle to Retain Star Amid Club World Cup Speculations
Tension is brewing in the Saudi football scene as top officials engage in what has been described as “difficult” negotiations to keep Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Saudi Pro League beyond this season. Sources close to the matter, including a senior official from the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), disclosed to AFP that Ronaldo’s future with Al Nassr is hanging in the balance.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in early 2023 following a dramatic exit from Manchester United, has been the face of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football revolution. His presence triggered a wave of high-profile player transfers to the Gulf state, attracting global attention and positioning the Saudi Pro League as a growing powerhouse in the sport. However, the 40-year-old forward sent shockwaves across the football world earlier this week after posting cryptically on social media: “This chapter is over,” following the end of the Saudi league season, where Al Nassr finished third and failed to secure any silverware.
While speculation of an imminent exit has gained momentum, officials familiar with the ongoing talks say Saudi stakeholders are pulling out all the stops to keep Ronaldo in the league. According to the source within the PIF—a key financial backer behind Al Nassr and other top Saudi clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli—there are strong efforts to convince Ronaldo to either remain at Al Nassr or transfer to another PIF-backed team, such as Al Hilal, who will participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this June.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play in the Saudi Pro League next season,” the source revealed. “The first option being considered is a transfer to Al Hilal, giving him the platform to feature at the Club World Cup, or possibly to Asian champions Al Ahli.”
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to be recognised globally has heavily leaned on Ronaldo’s star power. In the last two and a half years, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not only led Al Nassr’s attacking line with 25 league goals this season but also drawn unprecedented international viewership and media coverage to Saudi domestic football.
Despite his scoring prowess, Ronaldo has yet to deliver major silverware for Al Nassr, who recently exited the Asian Champions League at the semi-final stage. His struggles echo the fate of fellow global superstar Neymar, who left Al Hilal earlier this year after a short-lived and injury-ridden stint, reportedly earning around $104 million annually.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during a recent chat with popular content creator IShowSpeed, hinted at the possibility of Ronaldo’s participation in the 32-team Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. “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,” Infantino said, adding to the suspense surrounding Ronaldo’s next move.
While Lionel Messi is already confirmed to feature in the tournament with Inter Miami, Ronaldo’s potential involvement would not only reignite the iconic rivalry between the two football legends but also boost the global appeal of the competition.
A special transfer window has been scheduled for June 1–10 to allow participating clubs in the Club World Cup to bolster their squads. As the date draws near, all eyes are on the PIF and Saudi officials to see whether they can succeed in keeping the poster boy of their football revolution within their ranks—or whether Ronaldo will chart a new path in his illustrious career.
Saudi Arabia continues to stake its claim in the global football arena, with Ronaldo’s transfer being the cornerstone of its strategy, and preparations already underway to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
