Ronaldo Leaving Al Nassr: Will He Join Club World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he’s done with Al Nassr, fueling rumors of a Club World Cup return—and a possible team-up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
(WE) — Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he will part ways with Al Nassr, possibly bringing his stint in the Saudi Pro League to a close. After the final match of the season, the 40-year-old forward posted on X: “This chapter is over.” The post showed him in an Al Nassr jersey and concluded with: “The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
Speculation has intensified. Where will Ronaldo, one of the sport’s biggest names, go next? The Portuguese striker remains a major draw globally. With the FIFA Club World Cup approaching on June 14 in the United States, questions are swirling: Will he join a participating team? Could he finally link up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami?
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United. His move was considered a turning point for the Saudi Pro League. The reported €200 million ($214.5 million) deal was supposed to run until mid-2025. But his recent remarks suggest he’s walking away early.
His time at the club hasn’t yielded the results fans expected. Al Nassr failed to secure any major titles with Ronaldo. They also missed qualification for both the FIFA Club World Cup and the AFC Champions League. Finishing third in the league means they’ll compete for a playoff spot in the new AFC Champions League Two.
Despite the underwhelming end to this chapter, Ronaldo still has options. FIFA has allowed a special transfer window for Club World Cup teams from June 1 to June 10. This opens the door for a short-term move that would allow him to play in the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that “discussions” are ongoing regarding Ronaldo’s participation. Infantino noted the possibility of Ronaldo joining Messi in Miami and said with a smile, “It’s possible.”
Ronaldo has no shortage of potential destinations. One of the most dramatic outcomes would be a short-term deal with his former club, Real Madrid. The Spanish giants signed him for a then-world record €80 million ($91 million) in 2009. He became a Galáctico and left a legacy that still echoes.
Yet a return to Madrid is unlikely. With Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo battling for front-line roles, the club’s tactical flexibility is already stretched. Jude Bellingham had to adapt last season following Mbappé’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
Another option is Juventus, where Ronaldo played between 2018 and 2021. But Juventus is unlikely to shake up its squad for a short-term reunion, even for sentimental reasons.
A move to Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, would be huge. The idea of Messi and Ronaldo playing together feels like a football fantasy. Messi, who left PSG in 2023 to join MLS, has already changed the landscape in the United States. Ronaldo joining him would make global headlines and boost tournament visibility.
Inter Miami faces Al Ahly in the opening match on June 14. Adding Ronaldo would turn the game into a blockbuster.
Saudi champions Al Hilal are another strong candidate. A switch from Al Nassr to their Riyadh rivals would allow Ronaldo to remain in Saudi Arabia. This aligns with his business interests and the league’s goal of keeping top stars.
Al Hilal qualified for the Club World Cup and will play in next season’s Asian Champions League. Signing Ronaldo would give them a global figure to lead their campaign. For the Saudi Pro League, it avoids the embarrassment of losing Ronaldo to another country.
Elsewhere in the region, Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and Al Ahly of Egypt will also compete. But luring Ronaldo to a non-Saudi Gulf team would be tough. Saudi Arabia has invested too heavily in him to see him leave the kingdom.
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Brazil offers another intriguing path. Spanish outlet Marca reported Ronaldo was in talks with Botafogo. It could work for a short-term deal, especially if no long-term Club World Cup contract is in place. Still, a full switch to Brazil seems improbable given Ronaldo’s age and commercial strategy.
Other Brazilian clubs—Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo—are also competing. However, the language barrier, logistics, and commercial ties make South America a long shot.
A cleaner solution might be a full-time move to a U.S. team like the Seattle Sounders. They are among the MLS participants in the Club World Cup and represent a practical destination. The league has a track record of signing aging superstars, and a Ronaldo-Messi rivalry on American soil would bring massive attention.
MLS clubs offer a unique balance of sporting opportunity and business appeal. A U.S. base could help Ronaldo transition into a post-playing career focused on endorsements, media, or even ownership. It also aligns with FIFA’s goal to elevate the Club World Cup’s profile.
Could Ronaldo and Messi actually play together? The potential is enormous. But challenges exist. Messi thrives on the right flank or as a central playmaker. Ronaldo operates best up front. Their movements could clash tactically, particularly around the penalty area. This could complicate team dynamics.
There’s also the personal rivalry. For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo battled for supremacy in La Liga, with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. They’ve combined to win the Ballon d’Or 13 times, fueling endless debates among fans and pundits.
Off the field, the rivalry has remained mostly professional. But on the pitch, their interactions have been frosty at best. Whether they can truly set aside their differences for a joint effort is unknown. Still, the marketing appeal is undeniable. A Messi-Ronaldo partnership at the Club World Cup would be a defining moment in football history.
From FIFA’s perspective, a Ronaldo appearance enhances the tournament’s relevance. The competition is being expanded to 32 teams and hosted in a key market—the United States. Star power is crucial for drawing crowds and securing global broadcasting deals.
The official FIFA Club World Cup roster deadline is expected just days after the June 10 transfer window closes. Ronaldo must decide quickly. Will he aim for glory with a top-tier club? Will he partner with Messi in Miami? Or will he remain in the Middle East?
Ronaldo has remained tight-lipped. His cryptic message suggests that he’s still weighing his options. But time is running out, and the football world is watching. One move could redefine his legacy. And if that move brings him alongside Messi, it could also reshape the story of modern football.
As June 14 approaches, the Ronaldo watch is in full swing. Wherever he goes, his presence will dominate headlines. For now, fans can only wait. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Cristiano Ronaldo always makes an entrance.
