All it took was a simple four-word statement from Cristiano Ronaldo for the 40-year-old superstar to capture the world’s attention in the soccer community once again.
“This chapter is over,” the renowned Portuguese athlete cryptically wrote on Instagram. This post seemingly marks the conclusion of his 2.5-year stint with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, while hinting at one last potential transfer ahead of the conclusion of a remarkable soccer career.
“The story? Still being written.”
(Translation: The story? Still being written.)
The pressing question fans are asking is: what’s next? With his contract set to expire next month, despite not being the dominant player he once was, there are multiple clubs likely to pursue him.
According to a report by Spanish sports daily AS, as many as 10 teams are attempting to secure his signature. Notably, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stirred discussions recently by suggesting that Ronaldo could be heading to one of the 32 teams participating in the upcoming Club World Cup, set to take place in the U.S.
During his tenure at Al Nassr, Ronaldo seemed out of the limelight, but he is eager to end his career at the highest possible level, possibly aiming for participation in next year’s 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States.
Still serving as captain of the Portuguese national team, he has just been included in the 27-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League Finals. A World Cup appearance next summer would make him the first player to compete in six tournaments.
Choosing his next club wisely will be crucial for him to remain competitive and conclude his career on a high note.
Here are four potential destinations for CR7:
MLS: Are the roster rules feasible?
Could Ronaldo follow fellow soccer star Lionel Messi to MLS? At first glance, that seems improbable. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo was critical about the level of play in the U.S. and Canada, which surely didn’t sit well with the league or its wealthy owners.
The financial aspect is also a significant hurdle, with potential salaries rumoured to be in the vicinity of $20 million, which exceeds the total budgets of many MLS teams. Accessible salary-exempt “Designated Players” slots are at their maximum for numerous clubs.
On the upside, Ronaldo’s marketability remains incredibly high; it’s likely he would still perform well in MLS (having scored 74 goals in 77 league matches for Al Nassr), bringing significant attention along with him. It would take just one of the league’s 30 owners to make this happen.
Liga MX: A reunion with ex-Real Madrid teammates?
Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, two former Real Madrid stars, are currently plying their trade in Liga MX. Would Ronaldo be inclined to join them?
Finances usually aren’t a concern for the top clubs in Liga MX, where many ex-European stars enjoy successful late-career appearances. Club Monterrey, which recently signed Ronaldo’s ex-teammate Sergio Ramos, could be a suitable destination. The wealthy Club America might also be able to match his pay demands.
Brazil’s big clubs ahead of Club World Cup?
Brazil’s Série A has drawn many European veterans lately, with several stars like David Luiz and Marquinhos returning home to clubs that are on stronger financial ground. Ronaldo would integrate well culturally, especially since there are many Portuguese players in Brazil now.
However, three top Brazilian clubs involved in the Club World Cup—Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Botafogo—have already ruled out signing Ronaldo, leaving only Fluminense as a possible option.
Sporting CP: A return to where it all began?
Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP in Lisbon before rising to fame. Betting sites suggest a return to his youth club, Portuguese champions Sporting CP, could be a strong possibility as he had joined them at age 12. After playing 25 first-team matches, he was signed by Manchester United put Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm during a friendly game back in 2003.
Ironically, Sporting CP is the only top-3 club in Portugal not participating in the Club World Cup, as Benfica and Porto will represent the country instead.
“Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter who has closely followed the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups around the globe. Follow him @ByDougMcIntyre.”
Translation: Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter who has closely followed the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups around the globe. Follow him @ByDougMcIntyre.
