Since joining Al Nassr in Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo has not secured any official titles with the club, marking a stark contrast to his initial expectations. The lack of sporting successes during this stage of his career has raised concerns among both the player and fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s journey at Al Nassr in Riyadh has so far been far from the fairy tale he and the club’s fans envisioned. Since arriving over two seasons ago, Ronaldo has yet to secure a single major title with his Saudi club, highlighting a disappointing chapter in his illustrious career.
This season alone, his team faced setbacks such as losing the Supercoppa Saudi Arabia Final 4-1 to Al Hilal, being eliminated in the Round of 16 of the King’s Cup by Al Taawon, and suffering a defeat in the AFC Champions League semifinal against Kawasaki. Moreover, with just three league matches remaining, Al Nassr trails 11 points behind the league leader, Al Ittihad, making a league title unlikely this year.
The lack of silverware has intensified rumors about Ronaldo’s potential departure. His current contract is set to expire in just 45 days, and as of May 14, no concrete negotiations seem to be underway for an extension. Sources close to the club suggest that the absence of talks could be driven by financial reasons.
The expiration of his contract and the lack of negotiations in progress
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, one of the main factors influencing Ronaldo’s possible exit involves tax benefits. Having completed two years of residence in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo would lose significant tax reductions, which are a key part of his decision-making process. This tax condition is reportedly a critical obstacle, delaying any potential renewal discussions.
On the sporting front, Ronaldo’s goals continue to be remarkable—approaching 1,000 career goals, an achievement he hoped to reach before retiring. However, it’s been over four years since he secured an official title, with his last triumph coming on May 19, 2021, with Juventus in the Coppa Italia. His desire now is to end his career with a major accolade.
The club that wants to bring him back for the next window
Meanwhile, Sporting de Lisboa, where Ronaldo began his professional journey and made his first division debut, is keenly observing the situation. According to sources, the Lisbon club remains interested in bringing Ronaldo back during the upcoming European transfer window. Sporting, currently tied for the top spot in the Primeira Liga with Benfica and preparing for a title decider against Guimaraes, could qualify directly for next season’s UEFA Champions League if they win the league.
Such a scenario adds an enticing element for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has long expressed a desire to finish his career on a high note with one more major trophy. Sporting’s potential league victory and Champions League qualification present a tempting opportunity for CR7 to return home and end his illustrious journey with a fitting success story.
In conclusion, Ronaldo’s future in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, with financial considerations, sporting ambitions, and personal goals all intertwining as he evaluates his next move. Sporting Lisbon’s renewed interest could be a decisive factor in shaping his final chapter in professional soccer.
