Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from Al-Nassr, marking the end of his stint in Saudi Arabian football. The Portuguese forward made the announcement via a brief but meaningful message on social media, following the team’s final match of the season a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh, in which he scored one of his team goals.

Al-Nassr finished third in the league standings, behind champions Al-Hilal and Al Qadisiya, missing out on qualification for the next AFC Champions League. In this context, the 40-year old star decided to close this chapter of his career, after two seasons in Saudi Arabia where he delivered an impressive personal performance: 35 goals and 4 assists in the most recent campaign.

“This chapter has ended. The story? Still being written. Grateful to everyone,” Ronaldo wrote, leaving the door open to new challenges as he aims to stay competitive with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.

Could Boca Juniors Be a Destination?

Ronaldo future remains uncertain, but several rumors have begun to circulate. One of the most striking came from the Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, where former goalkeeper and commentator Jorge D’Alessandro raised eyebrows by suggesting a possible move to Boca Juniors.

“Let me tell you honestly… I get goosebumps. Leading Boca’s attack and Boca needs him,” he said passionately. Host Josep Pedrerol backed the idea: “If I were Cristiano advisor, I’d tell him to go to Boca. Marketing wise, he’d win over all of South America.”

D’Alessandro referenced the club’s storied past: “This is the Boca of Maradona, of Gatti… Riquelme should try to bring him in! I see him fitting in better at Boca than at a Brazilian club. His personality, the dynamic style of play with Zenón and Merentiel by his side. I’d go crazy!”

While there’s no concrete information suggesting Boca has made contact, the mere mention of Ronaldo name in relation to the Argentine club caused a stir among fans and media alike.

Club World Cup on the Horizon

Beyond the speculation, Ronaldo next move may be tied to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June in the United States. Several qualified clubs are reportedly interested in signing him to boost both their squads and global visibility.

A strong candidate is Sporting CP, the Portuguese club where Ronaldo began his professional career. The emotional pull of a return home could outweigh financial considerations.

In Mexico, Monterrey is seen as another viable option. The club recently signed Sergio Ramos, a close friend of Ronaldo, and may look to reunite the two ahead of the Club World Cup.

Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr fierce rival and another Club World Cup participant, is also in the mix. The club has the financial power to offer a top-tier contract and could set the stage for a potential showdown between Ronaldo and his former team, Real Madrid.

Brazil, Africa, and the Gulf Also in Play

Several Brazilian clubs including Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense have been linked to the Portuguese icon. All are qualified for the Club World Cup, though any deal would likely require significant financial backing and sponsorship.

Wydad AC of Morocco and Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, the latter an Asian champion albeit unqualified for the Club World Cup, are also reportedly interested. Each club shares a common goal: signing a global superstar to elevate their profile on the international stage.

A Competitor Who Refuses to Quit

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a top competitor. While the Saudi league may not match Europe intensity, his individual performance has remained strong. With his sights set on staying sharp for a potential World Cup call-up, retirement is not on his radar.

As the football world waits for his next move, speculation runs rampant. Will it be Boca Juniors, a return to Sporting, a Mexican powerhouse, or Brazilian giants? One thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo name continues to shake the football world.