Cristiano Ronaldo waves tearful goodbye to Al-Nassr and Saudi Pro League

Robin Bairner

• 22 May 2025 08:35 BST
• 5 min read

News

Cristiano Ronaldo appears primed for the next chapter in his illustrious career after waving what appeared to be a tearful goodbye at Al-Nassr on Wednesday.

In Al-Nassr’s final home Saudi Pro League match of the season, Ronaldo scored a 97th-minute penalty to secure a 2-0 victory over Al-Khaleej. He had earlier missed from the spot before Jhon Duran opened the scoring deep in the second half.

What was most notable about the game, though, was the reaction of the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend afterwards.

Current ETV

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

€7.7M

ETV Range

€6.5M - €8.8M

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The 40-year-old was pictured waving to supporters with tears in his eyes, a sign that his time in Saudi is drawing to a surprising close.

It was previously reported that Ronaldo had agreed a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr that not only matched his current wages of €200 million-per-season but also included an ownership stake in the club.

Since these reports broke in April, there has been no further movement, and with the Portugal star out of contract at the end of June, it now appears likely that he will be moving on.

Ronaldo makes 10-year promise

Rumours have suggested that Ronaldo could return to Sporting CP while the attacker has suggested he could continue playing professional football for another 10 years.

It was recently claimed that the ex-Man Utd’s star physiological age is just short of 29.

“I can’t believe it’s so good,” he said. “This means I’ll play for another 10 years!

“When you’re young you think you’re going to live forever, that you’re going to be strong forever, you think you’re unbreakable. When you’re 25 it’s not the same as when you’re 30, especially in football. But I still feel good, I prioritise recovery and sleep much more than I used to.”

Ronaldo is chasing the feat of scoring 1000 career goals, which is now within sight.

Al-Nassr face Al-Fateh away from home in the Saudi Pro League on Monday – what might be Ronaldo’s final game for the club.

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