Frank Christian
Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines on Monday after his team’s last game of the season.
In a disappointing finale, Al Nassr lost to Al Fateh 3-2, prompting Ronaldo to share on his social media: “This chapter concludes. The narrative? Still unfolding. Thankful to everyone.”
This revelation was unexpected, as many anticipated that the 40-year-old would end his career at the Saudi Pro League club. However, with contract negotiations hanging in the balance, the possibility of pursuing a new opportunity lingered.
This chapter concludes.
The narrative? Still unfolding.
Thankful to everyone. pic.twitter.com/Vuvl5siEB3— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 26, 2025
The Sporting News explores the potential paths Ronaldo might take as he searches for a new club to advance his renowned career, along with the current odds on where he might land next.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Next Destination: What Are the Potential Clubs? Current Odds and Betting Information
There is limited concrete information regarding Ronaldo’s next move, leading to widespread speculation.
Here are some possible new “chapters” for CR7. The odds provided are accurate as of publication via Betfair and bet365, and may vary.
Any MLS teams (including Inter Miami) — 3/1
If Ronaldo aims to secure the highest earnings, a transition to Major League Soccer could be a possibility.
However, the MLS transfer process is somewhat complex, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific club for him. Nonetheless, Inter Miami stands out as a potential destination, particularly considering the buzz it would create if he united with Lionel Messi.
Other contenders may include LA Galaxy and LAFC, although they are not currently seeking a forward.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s past legal matters in the U.S. complicate any prospective MLS move.
Sporting Lisbon — 3/1
Betting firms are speculating like everyone else, and a return to his childhood team Sporting in Portugal could be attractive.
Ronaldo rose through the ranks at Sporting before his breakthrough transfer to Manchester United in 2003 that set his career in motion.
Returning to his roots to conclude his career would be a fitting conclusion, although it remains uncertain if they can meet his salary expectations.
Botafogo — 11/2
According to a Marca report from May, Ronaldo has received a substantial offer from an unnamed Brazilian side, hinting at the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup, indicating interest from one of the four Brazilian teams participating in the summer event.
While a short-term engagement for the Club World Cup seems likely, he might also consider a more extended commitment with a South American club, as their league is ongoing.
Botafogo, fresh off winning last year’s Copa Libertadores, has had a rocky start in their league, while other clubs like Sao Paulo and Atletico Mineiro could also benefit from his experience.
He might also attract interest from top clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo, or Fluminense (all 12/1) if he desires to chase a title, although these teams may not be in urgent need of his expertise.
A Possible Return to Al Nassr — 4/1
Despite displaying frustration during recent weeks at Al Nassr, a return to his current Saudi team wouldn’t be out of the question.
Ronaldo has consistently performed at a high level even as the club faced challenges. They narrowly missed out on this year’s AFC Champions League, falling in the semifinals and not qualifying for next year’s continental competition—a significant setback.
However, since joining Al Nassr three years ago, Ronaldo has fully committed to Saudi football, making it surprising if he were to abandon that connection. His son is in the club’s youth setup, and he has been a vocal supporter of local football while also anticipated to play a role in the nation’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Given Ronaldo’s importance, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will likely make considerable efforts to keep him at the club, despite his current frustrations.
Manchester United — 25/1
While returning to Sporting would offer a chance to relive past glories, a more high-profile comeback could involve going back to Old Trafford.
His most illustrious years unfolded at Manchester, and with the club’s ongoing struggles, bringing back such a global icon could give them a much-needed commercial boost, though some fans still recall how his last Premier League term unfolded under Erik Ten Hag.
This move seems less likely, hence the 25/1 odds.
A Team in the Club World Cup — N/A
While this suggestion is broad and unspecific, there is a chance Ronaldo’s next move might involve a short-term deal to participate in the Club World Cup.
Joining a team solely for this summer tournament, especially among European clubs, could benefit all parties involved.
Ronaldo would compete in a major FIFA event, the club could leverage his presence while rotating their squad to manage injury risks, and the event would likely attract larger audiences with him playing. This possibility seemed on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s mind when he indicated that discussions with clubs about Ronaldo’s management are ongoing.
Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Juventus could utilize Ronaldo’s presence to balance squad minutes during a demanding summer competition.
A switch to a Portuguese club could theoretically make sense, but Ronaldo’s loyalty to Sporting CP— the only major Portuguese club not involved in the competition—could create backlash if he were to sign with rivals Porto or Benfica.
Potential fits might include South American clubs like Palmeiras, Flamengo, or Botafogo, or Liga MX team Pachuca. There have been rumors that Monterrey has reached out to his representatives, and Wydad from Morocco has also expressed interest. Numerous options remain open.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Next Club: Current Betting Odds
This is a list of the most plausible destinations for Ronaldo based on Betfair and bet365:
| Club | Odds |
| Any MLS team | 3/1 |
| Sporting Lisbon | 3/1 |
| Monterrey | 3/1 |
| Al-Hilal | 4/1 |
| Botafogo | 11/2 |
| Galatasaray | 17/2 |
| Palmeiras | 12/1 |
| Boca Juniors | 12/1 |
| Flamengo | 12/1 |
| Fluminense | 12/1 |
| Napoli | 14/1 |
| Manchester United | 25/1 |
