Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr at the end of the current season following disagreements over transfer policy and club management, according to multiple international media reports.
The 40-year-old forward, who turns 41 on Thursday, has a release clause valued at 50 million euros (approximately 43 million British pounds) in his contract, opening potential routes to Major League Soccer (MLS) or a return to European football.
Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s recent 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on Monday, with reports suggesting his absence was a protest against recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League. The club has not officially explained his non-participation, and Ronaldo has made no public statement.
The situation intensified following Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day Monday. Al-Hilal confirmed the signing of the former Real Madrid striker on a free transfer for an 18-month contract.
Sources indicate Ronaldo’s frustration stems from perceived unequal treatment by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 75 per cent stakes in Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus previously acknowledged financial constraints, stating the club lacked available foreign player slots and faced budget limitations during the January transfer window.
Al-Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League by one point over Al-Nassr after 19 matches. Ronaldo has not won the league title since joining Al-Nassr from Manchester United in January 2023.
Portuguese media outlet Record, in which Ronaldo is a major investor, reported that his contract signed in June 2025 runs through June 2027, though the release clause could enable an earlier departure.
Al-Nassr are scheduled to face Al-Ittihad on Friday in what could prove a significant match given the ongoing tensions. Whether Ronaldo will feature remains unclear.
