Cristiano Ronaldo out? Al-Nassr takes first steps toward life without Saudi Pro League’s biggest star and CR7’s brand

With Cristiano Ronald’s contract set to expire in June, both Al-Nassr and the Portuguese star appear to be preparing for major changes—ones that could reshape the narrative of soccer in the Kingdom.

As the Saudi Pro League season winds down, uncertainty looms over the future of its most iconic player. Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and a symbol of Saudi soccer’s global ambitions, may be nearing the end of his chapter at Al-Nassr. With his contract set to expire in June, both the club and the Portuguese star appear to be preparing for major changes—ones that could reshape the narrative of soccer in the Kingdom.

What began as a seismic shift in world soccer, with Ronaldo trading European lights for Riyadh’s desert heat, now looks like a story approaching an unexpected twist. And in recent days, Al-Nassr took a subtle but significant first step—a symbolic act that could signal a deeper separation from the man who redefined their brand.

Despite being the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer this season with 23 goals, Ronaldo has not managed to deliver the one thing that matters most—titles. Al-Nassr has failed to win silverware or qualify for the Asian Champions League, a bitter blow for both the club leadership and the Portuguese icon himself.

Tensions have risen in recent months. A failed January signing in Jhon Duran did little to reverse the club’s misfortunes, and frustration boiled over when Ronaldo reportedly left the stadium immediately after a loss to Al-Ittihad, skipping the locker room entirely.

What once looked like a perfect match—a European superstar lifting a regional giant—has deteriorated into quiet estrangement. While contract renewal talks were nearly finalized months ago, they now appear to be stalling, with the Portuguese veteran reportedly making significant demands for any extension.

Mysterious first step

Amid this cloud of uncertainty, Al-Nassr unveiled a brand-new club crest on May 20—a rebranding effort presented as part of the club’s 70th anniversary celebrations. On the surface, it’s a visual refresh. But beneath it lies a more pointed symbolism.

Gone is the crown that adorned the previous badge—a visual metaphor often linked to Ronaldo’s “king” persona. The club also dropped the prefix “Al-”, branding itself now simply as “Nassr” in English. In its place, the words “Riyadh 1955” have been added, anchoring the club’s identity more firmly to its roots.

A post on the club’s official X account read: “A great legacy and history, and a promising future. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary, here is the Al-Nassr logo.”

Design experts say the change aligns with modern soccer branding trends. According to Footy Headlines, the new crest features a minimalist, digital-first aesthetic, with a stylized Arabian Peninsula map and a cleaner badge shape. But what truly caught attention was the deliberate removal of elements historically associated with Ronaldo’s era, prompting many to wonder: Is Al-Nassr preparing for life without CR7?

While nothing is confirmed, options for the 40-year-old remain plentiful, as per the Spanish newspaper Marca. Beyond Al-Hilal, reports indicate interest from Chelsea and even Brazilian side Palmeiras, though the former seems the most viable in terms of prestige and financial clout. Al-Hilal, already qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, could offer Ronaldo not only another major payday but also one final global stage—including a clash with Real Madrid, his former club.

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