As five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 40th birthday with a brace in the AFC Champions League against Al-Wasl, speculation has begun to mount as to whether he will sign a new contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
After leaving Manchester United for the second time in 2022, the Portuguese star signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with his current Saudi club, but this is set to expire in the forthcoming summer. A new deal has yet to be agreed upon, so the market has opened to determine the legendary forward's next destination.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has continued his mythical scoring streak, bagging 88 times in 96 games in all competitions. A talent for the ages, the former Real Madrid marksman has stated that he has no desire to retire from professional football at the moment, and wants to be able to play a professional match with his son before exiting the sport.
Having publicly stated this week that returning to home-town club Sporting Lisbon had never crossed his mind, the market on Ronaldo's next team now seems to be geared towards an extended stay in the Middle East.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club odds: Current favourites
Al Nassr – 4/5
The beating sun of Saudi Arabia has certainly not hampered the attacking exploits of Portgual's all-time leading scorer, as, despite just turning 40, Ronaldo has still managed 16 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League games this season. Thus, it seems increasingly likely that he will be offered a new contract with the club before the end of the campaign.
Ronaldo has racked up a league-high 16.3 xGOT, averaging 2.18 shots on target per 90 minutes, while also chipping in creatively to generate 1.23 chances per match, higher than 77% of the division's forwards. It is truly incredible to see him able to continue dominating defences and scoring relentlessly even in the twilight of his illustrious career.
The former Juventus striker is rumoured to be earning £3.5 million per week at Al Nassr, a genuinely staggering figure that European clubs would find impossible to match. With his time playing football reaching the closing stages, it is unlikely that Ronaldo would find a move back to an elite club, and thus will probably settle for a bank balance increase in the Middle East.
Therefore, punters should get behind his 4/5 before they begin to shorten further, as it is most probable that Ronaldo will be offered a new contract to extend his stay with Al Nassr.
Any other Saudi club – 2/1
A choice that should not be ruled out just yet, Ronaldo may also consider a switch to another Saudi League club. For example, the celebrated striker's former teammate, Karim Benzema, is allegedly earning £1.64 million per week at rival side Al Ittihad. The Frenchman has also registered 14 goals in 16 matches this season, leading to speculation that he too may be rewarded with a new contract in the summer.
Essentially, it appears as if a financial battle could ensue as to who is able to secure the services of one of the sport's best-ever players. Al Ittihad currently top the Saudi Pro League with 49 points, eight ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr on 41. The former have also won 16 of their 19 matches so far, dominating the majority of the division.
If the Portuguese international wants to add some more silverware to his already overflowing trophy cabinet, then a move to a Saudi rival could be the way forward. At 2/1, such a move would also provide a good return for punters.
Sporting Lisbon – 3/1
Although currently priced at 3/1, we would not recommend putting money on Sporting Lisbon at present. Ronaldo stated in the media this week that a return to the club where his coveted career began is not something he had ever considered, and it did not appear as if his mind was likely to be changed in the near future.
Although it would be fantastic to see a player of such stature return to the side that moulded him into one of the world's best, similarly to Neymar returning to Santos this month, it just does not seem like a realistic possibility.
Although 3/1 odds are not too bad, we would avoid this choice for the moment.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
