After a tough elimination in the Asian Champions League with Al Nassr, the future of Cristiano Ronaldo is once again at the center of attention. According to reports from Portuguese media, echoed by Fichajes, the 40-year-old star is seriously considering a return to the club where it all began: Sporting CP.

The news comes amid rumors of a possible departure for Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting’s current standout player, who is attracting interest from several top European clubs. If the transfer goes through, the Lisbon-based side would have the ideal scenario to offer Ronaldo a symbolic and high-profile return at the final stretch of his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Be Heading Back to His Former Club!

The Portuguese striker has made it clear that his goal is to be in top form for the 2026 World Cup, which would likely be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. Returning to his homeland, to a familiar and competitive environment like Sporting, could be a key part of that preparation.

The club itself would reportedly welcome his return. Beyond the emotional and commercial impact, having Ronaldo back would strengthen the team’s project as they continue to compete in European tournaments next season. It would also be a poetic end to a legendary career that began in green and white.

Elimination With Al Nassr and the End of an Era in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano’s potential departure also comes in the context of a difficult season for Al Nassr. The Saudi side, coached by Stefano Pioli, was knocked out of the Asian Champions League this week after a 2-3 home loss to Kawasaki Frontale in the semifinals. Defensive errors and missed chances cost them a place in a final that seemed within reach.

Despite goals from Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya, Al Nassr failed to turn things around after conceding to Tatsuya Ito, Yuto Ozeki, and Akihiro Ienaga for the Japanese side. This setback follows their earlier exit from the Saudi King’s Cup and their current third-place standing in the domestic league, eight points behind leaders Al Ittihad with only five matches remaining.

Ronaldo, who has scored 33 goals and provided 4 assists this season, may be preparing to leave Saudi Arabia behind in order to return to Portugal—getting ready for the final challenge of his storied career: saying goodbye to football at the World Cup with Portugal… and perhaps, ending it all where it once began.