Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to leave the Saudi Pro League this summer. The Portuguese superstar is not planning to retire, instead moving to the MLS or back to Europe.
According to a report in Record, Ronaldo is unhappy with PIF’s treatment of Al-Nassr and believes that they are trying to help Al-Hilal win the Saudi Pro League title. He sat out the league clash against Al Riyadh this week as a sign of protest against Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.
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However, his decision made no impact as the Frenchman joined the league leaders just hours after Al-Nassr’s win over Al Riyadh. The striker has signed an 18-month contract, forcing Ronaldo to reconsider his future in the league.
The Manchester United legend signed a 2-year deal last summer, and claimed that he was looking forward to helping the league and the country over the next decade. He spoke to the media in October and said:
“For me, it is an honour that the league is growing and many star players are coming to make the league even better and more competitive. To be the first one – let’s say a star – to come here is an honour, but what I’m looking forward to is the next five to 10 years of the league still improving, not only the first teams but also the academies. Not just for the future of the Saudi [players] and the league, but for the country and to compete with other leagues – this is my dream. And this is what I will try to help the country and league reach and be there at that level.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to MLS for some time, but has repeatedly insisted that it is a level below the Saudi Pro League, which was pushing to become one of the best in the world. He claimed in 2023 that his time in Europe was done, but Record reports that a move back is on the cards, should he opt to leave Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo took shots at MLS while praising Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to La Sexta in 2025, claiming that MLS was worse than the Saudi Pro League. He insisted that the Saudi league was looked down upon, even as it was growing into one of the best in the world. He said:
“When I made the decision to come I didn’t think it was going to grow so fast, but I knew that in one or two years the league would be very top, as it is now. People don’t know, they think and talk too much. I’m sorry because it’s a different reality when people talk about Saudi Arabia and when they talk about the United States. Is MLS a worse league? Obviously, but because it’s Saudi Arabia it’s looked down upon.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has 18 months left on his contract at Al-Nassr, but MLS clubs have been keeping tabs on the Portuguese superstar should he become available.
Edited by Sripad
