Top Five Contenders to Sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr

Today marks Cristiano Ronaldo’s birthday, but reports suggest he is not in a celebratory mood.

Ronaldo has reportedly declined to play for Al-Nassr due to dissatisfaction with the financial support provided to his club in the Saudi Pro League compared to their rivals. The arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal has particularly upset Ronaldo, who is calling for changes or considering a departure.

Could Ronaldo really leave Saudi Arabia? If so, where might he go?

Cristiano Ronaldo Next Club Odds

Real Madrid – 16/1

Real Madrid is listed as the fifth favorite among bettors, the place where Ronaldo set numerous records during his prime.

During his first tenure in Spain, Ronaldo scored a remarkable 450 goals in 434 matches, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. The idea of him pairing with Kylian Mbappe is intriguing, but that opportunity may have passed.

Sporting Lisbon – 5/1

This option holds sentimental value and could be the ideal conclusion to Ronaldo’s career. Rising through the ranks at Sporting, he left as a teenager after just 31 games. After winning five Ballon d’Ors and numerous other accolades, could he make a return for a final chapter in the Primeira Liga?

Retire – 3/1

Ronaldo has expressed that he has no intention of retiring until he reaches the milestone of 1,000 career goals. While others have surpassed this mark, none have done so under such scrutiny (notably, Pele).

“My passion is high, and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and want to keep going,” he stated at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December.

“You know my goal. I want to win trophies and reach that number [1,000 goals]. I will achieve it if I avoid injuries.”

With 961 goals and counting, if he scores 39 more for Al-Nassr and Portugal by the end of this summer’s World Cup, would that be a fitting moment to retire?

Any Saudi Pro League team – 7/4

If he can’t beat them, he might join them. Saudi Pro League teams are known for their trading, backed by the nation’s Public Investment Fund. A reunion with Karim Benzema at league leaders Al-Hilal would be interesting, especially with his former team, Al-Ittihad, looking for a replacement.

Any MLS team – 6/4

Could Ronaldo and Messi renew their rivalry in the U.S.?

Imagine the excitement for soccer in the U.S. if two of the greatest players ever played in the MLS. While both are past their prime, it might not matter in a league where showmanship is just as valued as scoring.