'This chapter is over': Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Al Nassr exit amid Al Hilal transfer reports

"This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all," the 40-year-old striker wrote on social media on Tuesday, alongside a photo of himself in an Al Nassr jersey.

Just hours earlier, Ronaldo captained Al Nassr in their final Saudi Pro League match of the season, scoring the opening goal in a 2-3 loss to Al Fateh. The club finished without a title and failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League, although they remain eligible for the AFC Champions League Two, Asia's second-tier tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo before the last match of Al Nassr against Al Fateh in Saudi Pro League at Al-Mubarraz, Saudi Arabia on May 26, 2025. Photo by Facebook/Cristiano Ronaldo

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira said Ronaldo's post might be an announcement of his departure. According to reports, the Portuguese striker has recently received offers from clubs participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Several Arab outlets claim he has reached an agreement to join Al Nassr's rival Al Hilal, the most decorated club in Asia.

Following his message, Saudi newspaper Kooora published an article titled "Ronaldo - the king without a throne," noting that despite being the Saudi Pro League's top scorer for two consecutive seasons, he failed to win a single title with Al Nassr.

Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances, an impressive 0.89 goals per game.

However, his relationship with the club has reportedly gone worse in recent weeks. He publicly criticized his teammates' performances and was rumored to have called for the dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli and significant changes to the squad. Al Nassr, in turn, offered him a contract extension with more than a 50% pay cut, according to Arab news outlet Al Yaum.

Ronaldo has previously stated his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals before retirement. He currently sits at 936 and at his current pace, he could achieve that milestone within two years.

His contract with Al Nassr runs until June 30, 2025, but with no matches scheduled before then, an early exit is possible. The summer transfer window opens June 1, with the FIFA Club World Cup kicking off two weeks later.

Ronaldo is set to join the Portugal national team for the UEFA Nations League semifinal against Germany on June 4 in Munich. If Portugal advance, they will face either France or Spain in the final on June 8.