It was supposed to be a routine win — Al-Nassr’s 2-0 home victory over Al-Khaleej — but what followed turned a low-profile league fixture into a global talking point. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, stepped off the pitch and walked towards the Al-Nassr supporters. What looked like a customary post-match gesture quickly took on deeper meaning.
The Portuguese superstar waved, clapped, and appeared visibly emotional, soaking in the atmosphere at Al-Awwal Park. As he acknowledged the crowd with lingering gestures, many couldn’t help but wonder: was this goodbye?
Behind the scenes, speculation had already begun to bubble. According to TEAMtalk, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr had reached a verbal agreement to extend his contract until 2026, a deal reportedly worth $226 million for the upcoming season.
However, things changed dramatically in the aftermath of Al-Nassr’s shock elimination from the AFC Champions League at the hands of Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. That 3-2 defeat in the semi-finals not only ended their continental hopes but also raised serious doubts in the veteran’s mind about the club’s long-term competitiveness.
“Ronaldo has asked to put the contract on hold, as frustrations over the team’s progress and doubts about the club’s sporting project have emerged,” wrote TEAMtalk. Now, the future of one of soccer’s most iconic figures is once again up in the air, with no formal renewal signed as he enters the final month of his deal with Al-Nassr.
Summer departure looming?
Despite scoring 24 league goals this season and closing in on a century of goals for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s stance has shifted. According to reports, he wants firm assurances that the club intends to invest and improve, particularly after another season without silverware and a failure to qualify for the next AFC Champions League.
For a player who openly dreams of featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, every remaining season carries immense weight. At this stage of his career, Ronaldo simply cannot afford to spend it with a club not equipped to win.
Emotional farewell?
After the final whistle against Al-Khaleej, the Portuguese superstar finally got his goal in stoppage time via penalty in the 97th minute, raising his tally and prompting emotional scenes. According to GOAL, “Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly emotional after the game, waving and applauding in the fans’ direction.”
That performance, followed by his visible emotions, only added fuel to the growing belief that this weekend’s clash with Al-Fateh could be his last in the Knight of Najd’s shirt.
