Cristiano Ronaldo (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Cristiano Ronaldo is considering leaving Al Nassr this summer, with a €50m release clause in his contract and MLS or a return to Europe emerging as options to chase 1,000 career goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo is weighing up a possible exit from Al Nassr this summer, with growing frustration inside the club and a €50 million release clause now revealed.
The 40-year-old, the highest-paid footballer in history, is reportedly unhappy with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing Al Nassr compared to rival clubs.
PIF controls stakes in Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, but Ronaldo believes his club has not been treated equally in the transfer market.
The situation escalated after Karim Benzema completed a high-profile move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. Al Hilal now sit one point above Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo is said to feel that Jorge Jesus has not received sufficient reinforcements, especially when compared to rivals strengthened by major signings. During the winter window, Al Nassr added only Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo boycotted Al Nassr’s league match against Al Riyadh, despite the team winning 1-0. Portuguese outlet Record reports that the incident reflects deeper unrest.
The report also reveals that Ronaldo’s contract, signed last summer and running until 2027, includes a €50m (£43m) release clause that becomes active this summer.
Possible destinations include a move to Major League Soccer or a return to Europe, as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
The Portuguese icon currently stands on 961 goals, having scored his latest during a 3-0 win over Al Kholood last week.
In December, Ronaldo openly spoke about extending his career.
“My passion is high, and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, Europe or the Middle East. I will reach 1,000 goals if injuries don’t stop me,” he said.
A potential move would represent a major shift in tone. In 2023, Ronaldo dismissed MLS as inferior to the Saudi Pro League and claimed European football had lost quality outside the Premier League.
Behind the scenes, tensions continue to rise. Jorge Jesus recently claimed Al Nassr lack the “political power” of Al Hilal, comments that led to calls for disciplinary action.
With unrest growing and his historic milestone approaching, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter may be nearing its end.