Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd legend’s next club revealed as name ‘emerges strongly’

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 4 Feb 2026 13:05 GMT
  • 4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be on his way out of the Saudi Pro League after a major falling out that saw him go on strike.

Article continues under the video

The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend sat out Al-Nassr’s Monday clash with Al-Riyadh, apparently in protest at the other PIF-owned clubs in the Pro League being given, what he feels, is favourable treatment.

Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal was the catalyst for this outburst, though Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus had previously complained previously that his side had not been favoured politically.

Current ETV
Player image Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr logo

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr

€10.4M

ETV Range

€9.4M - €11.5M

Ronaldo’s anger has doubtless been compounded by comments made by Al-Hilal sporting director Esteve Calzada, who told Cadena Ser: “Aside from Benzema, we’ve made serious investment in many young Arab talents. We want to fight for all the trophies.

“Al-Hilal is the most powerful club in Saudi Arabia. We have three sources of funding for transfers: merchandising, the government program to attract big players, and the prince, who supports the club to ensure we’re well resourced.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr
© IMAGO - Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr

Ronaldo possible exit confirmed... and his likely destination named

Ronaldo has 18 months left to run on his contract with Al-Nassr, and while it was previously revealed that the chances of him extending this deal were only slight, it now appears doubtful that he will even see out his time in Saudi.

“The explanations that have been given to Cristiano Ronaldo do not convince him. Everything is still on the table,” Correio da Manha chief Pedro Sousa told Record, confirming the possibility of the 40-year-old leaving Al-Nassr.

He commands an enormous salary at his current side that will be impossible for any club to match, but it appears that an emotional connection could be vital in deciding his destination.

A switch back to Portugal and Sporting CP is the likely outcome for Ronaldo, according to a report from Fichajes, which claims that the Lisbon club is “emerging strongly” as the player’s likely destination.

The finances involved in the deal are considered to be a major hurdle to clear, but it is claimed that the emotional impact and symbolism of a deal can make it possible.

Related stories:

Mo Salah set to ANGER Cristiano Ronaldo as transfer decision made

Cristiano Ronaldo and N'Golo Kante go AWOL as Saudi project implodes

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