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Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Exit Al-Nassr; Liverpool’s Diaz Targeted

Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Exit Al-Nassr; Liverpool’s Diaz Targeted
Published 2 days ago on May 29, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Announce Al-Nassr Exit Today Amid £167M Contract Snub — Liverpool’s Luis Diaz Targeted as Replacement.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly poised to confirm his departure from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr as early as Thursday, sparking widespread speculation about the next chapter of the football legend’s illustrious career. The 40-year-old forward’s future has become a hot topic following his cryptic social media post earlier this week, where he suggested that his time in Riyadh is coming to an end.

Ronaldo’s Cryptic Post Sparks Exit Rumors

On Monday, Ronaldo took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to write, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” This message sent shockwaves through the football world and hinted strongly at the end of his tenure with Al-Nassr, where he has played since January 2023. Despite his individual success — scoring an impressive 99 goals for the Saudi club — Ronaldo has yet to secure a major trophy in the region. The Arab Club Champions Cup won by Al-Nassr is not widely regarded as a significant accolade.

Massive Contract Offer Rejected

Reports suggest Ronaldo was offered a staggering new contract worth £167 million per year by Al-Nassr, a deal that would have extended his stay at the club. However, the Portuguese star has reportedly declined to commit to the lucrative offer, leaving the door open for a move elsewhere. His current contract is set to expire soon, which adds to the urgency of an official announcement regarding his future.

Possible Destinations: MLS, Brazil, Turkey, or Sporting Lisbon?

While Ronaldo’s next destination remains unconfirmed, there is intense speculation about where he might continue his career. Potential landing spots include Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, Brazil, Turkey, or a return to his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Additionally, some rumors point to the possibility of him staying in Saudi Arabia but switching allegiances to rivals Al-Hilal, a club set to compete in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

Al-Nassr Eye Premier League Winger Luis Diaz as Replacement

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With Ronaldo’s departure imminent, Al-Nassr have reportedly set their sights on a high-profile replacement — Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. According to talkSPORT, Diaz is the club’s primary target to fill the void left by the Portuguese superstar. Diaz, whose contract with Liverpool runs until 2027, has experienced a mixed season but still managed to net 17 goals in the Premier League.

Diaz’s skill and pace have made him an asset at Liverpool, but inconsistency has plagued his campaign, making him a tantalizing target for clubs willing to invest heavily. If the Saudi giants succeed in securing Diaz, it would represent a significant coup and a clear indication of their ambition to maintain top-level talent.

Ronaldo’s Goal-Scoring Quest Continues

One of Ronaldo’s driving forces behind his career moves remains his quest to reach 1,000 senior career goals — a milestone that would cement his legacy as one of football’s greatest scorers. Currently sitting on 936 goals, Ronaldo would likely need a couple of seasons with consistent playing time to hit that monumental mark. His desire to keep playing at the highest level is expected to influence his decision on where to move next.

FIFA President Hints at Club World Cup Participation

Further fueling rumors of Ronaldo’s future moves, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently suggested that the football icon might participate in the upcoming revamped Club World Cup. This announcement was surprising as Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s current club, failed to qualify for the tournament.

“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”

This statement has led to speculation that Ronaldo could be temporarily signed by a Club World Cup-qualified team, such as Al-Hilal or possibly a club from another continent.

Brazilian Club Botafogo Expresses Interest

Adding to the intrigue, Spanish publication Marca recently reported that Brazilian side Botafogo has submitted an offer to sign Ronaldo. Botafogo is one of four Brazilian clubs qualified for the Club World Cup, making them an attractive option for the forward’s potential participation.

Botafogo’s coach Renato Paiva openly commented on the rumors, stating, “Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that. I don’t know anything — I’m just answering the question.”

Paiva further praised Ronaldo’s enduring talent: “Coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.”

Al-Nassr’s Press Conference Expected to Confirm Ronaldo’s Exit

Spanish outlet Marca reports that Al-Nassr plans to hold an official press conference imminently to announce Ronaldo’s departure. The club is expected to unveil their next steps and possibly introduce their target replacement, with Luis Diaz’s name already being linked.

What Lies Ahead for Cristiano Ronaldo?

As Ronaldo prepares to close this chapter in his career, fans around the world eagerly await confirmation of his next move. Whether he opts for a high-profile MLS stint, a return to European football, or a new adventure in Brazil or Turkey, his legacy as one of football’s greatest icons remains intact.

For Al-Nassr, the challenge now is to find a worthy successor to carry forward their ambitions after the era of Ronaldo. The pursuit of Luis Diaz signals their intent to remain competitive and continue attracting top-tier talent.

With the official announcement expected shortly, the football community will be watching closely as Cristiano Ronaldo begins the next exciting phase of his extraordinary journey.

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