Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr this summer, with reports claiming the Portugal superstar is growing increasingly unhappy in Saudi Arabia and a €50 million (£43m/$59m) release clause putting clubs on standby.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward is contracted until 2027 but has no intention of retiring. A move to Major League Soccer — which could reignite his rivalry with Lionel Messi — or a return to Europe are both viewed as realistic options should he decide to walk away from the Saudi Pro League.
According to Record in Portugal, Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction has been building behind the scenes. At 41, he still believes he can compete at the highest level and would not struggle to attract interest if he triggers his release clause ahead of the summer window.
His frustration is reportedly directed at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls Al-Nassr alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. Ronaldo is said to feel PIF are tilting the title race in favour of Al-Hilal, a belief strengthened by the controversial decision to move his former team-mate Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
Despite elevating the global profile of the league, Ronaldo has yet to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr and feels he has not been shown the respect his influence deserves. He has also served as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid, further reinforcing his sense of contribution to the project.
Those tensions appear to have boiled over recently, with Ronaldo refusing to feature in Al-Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday.
The situation contrasts sharply with comments Ronaldo made in October 2025, when he spoke enthusiastically about his role in Saudi football’s long-term growth.
“For me, it is an honour that the league is growing and many star players are coming,” he said, describing his ambition to help improve not just first teams, but academies and the overall standard of the game.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Ronaldo highlighted the 2023 King Salman Arab Clubs Cup as his standout moment, recalling the intense final victory over Al-Hilal in which he scored both goals.
Former Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli has previously explained the special treatment afforded to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, describing a relentless professional who sets the standard in training and commands respect within the squad.
Ronaldo’s contract may run until 2027, but with a release clause in place and discontent growing, his future at Al-Nassr is suddenly uncertain. If he does decide to leave, the queue will be long — and the fallout significant.
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