Breaking: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Next Move Won’t Be Manchester United Despite Transfer Chaos
The football world has been captivated by the ongoing saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr, with the 41-year-old Portuguese legend engaging in a high-profile protest against the Saudi Pro League’s management. While speculation about the Cristiano Ronaldo next move has inevitably sparked rumors of a sensational third stint at Manchester United, former teammates and football insiders are unanimous in their assessment: a return to Old Trafford simply won’t happen.
The Cristiano Ronaldo next move speculation intensified dramatically when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed two consecutive Al-Nassr matches in early February 2026 as part of a self-imposed strike. His absence from crucial fixtures against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad wasn’t due to injury or illness—it was a calculated protest against what he perceives as unfair treatment by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 75% of four Saudi Pro League clubs including Al-Nassr.
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, who played alongside Ronaldo during his initial spell at Old Trafford, has categorically dismissed the possibility of a reunion. Speaking to BettingLounge, Brown stated bluntly: “He’s not happy, but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.”
This definitive assessment from someone who knows Ronaldo well sets the tone for understanding why the Cristiano Ronaldo next move, despite media speculation and fan wishes, will not involve a return to the club where he first became a global superstar.
The Al-Nassr Crisis: Understanding Ronaldo’s Saudi Standoff
To comprehend why the Cristiano Ronaldo next move has become football’s most pressing transfer question, it’s essential to understand the depth of his discontent at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese icon’s frustration centers on several interconnected issues that have made his position in Saudi Arabia increasingly untenable.
The primary grievance revolves around perceived inequality in how the PIF distributes resources among its four owned clubs. According to sources close to Ronaldo, he believes Al-Nassr has been systematically disadvantaged compared to rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. This perception crystallized during the January 2026 transfer window when Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr’s direct title rivals, acquired Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.
Benzema’s transfer to Al-Hilal proved to be the catalyst for Ronaldo’s public protest. The French striker scored a hat-trick on his debut as Al-Hilal demolished Al-Akhdoud 6-0, extending their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. For Ronaldo, watching his former Real Madrid teammate strengthen a direct rival while Al-Nassr’s only January acquisition was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem was intolerable.
The situation escalated further when Portuguese executives at Al-Nassr—Sporting Director Simao Coutinho and General Manager Jose Semedo—were suspended from their roles. According to ESPN, Ronaldo viewed these suspensions as deliberate sabotage of the club’s ability to recruit high-profile talent and compete for major honors. The administrative chaos reinforced his belief that Al-Nassr was being undermined from within the PIF structure.
Adding to Ronaldo’s frustration were reports of outstanding salary payments to Al-Nassr staff. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Ronaldo made the resolution of these unpaid wages a condition for his return to action. While Ronaldo himself earns approximately £500,000 per day under his lucrative contract, his concern for other club employees demonstrated that his protest extended beyond personal grievances to broader institutional dysfunction.
The Saudi Pro League responded to Ronaldo’s protest with an unprecedented public statement that challenged his influence and authority. The league declared: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.”
The statement continued with a thinly veiled rebuke: “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual—however significant—determines decisions beyond their own club.”
This public confrontation between the league and its marquee player revealed the extent to which the relationship had deteriorated. For someone of Ronaldo’s status and ego, being publicly told that he doesn’t “determine decisions beyond” his own club represented a humiliation that may prove irreparable.
Why Manchester United Won’t Be Cristiano Ronaldo Next Move
Despite widespread media speculation linking Ronaldo with a sensational third spell at Manchester United, multiple factors make this scenario virtually impossible. Understanding why the Cristiano Ronaldo next move won’t involve Old Trafford requires examining the club’s stance, Ronaldo’s own preferences, and the broader context of their fractured relationship.
Manchester United’s Official Stance
According to the i Paper and multiple credible football sources, Manchester United are categorically not interested in bringing Ronaldo back for a third spell. The club’s football hierarchy—including CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Jason Wilcox, and technical director Jason Wilcox—are unified in their determination to move forward without revisiting past relationships.
This institutional position reflects several strategic considerations. First, Manchester United are in the midst of a comprehensive squad rebuild under INEOS ownership, prioritizing younger players with resale value who fit a specific tactical profile. Ronaldo, at 41 and commanding extraordinary wages, contradicts every principle of this new recruitment philosophy.
Second, the club is acutely aware of how Ronaldo’s previous return disrupted their squad dynamics. His second spell at Old Trafford, which lasted from August 2021 to November 2022, ended in acrimony following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which Ronaldo publicly criticized the club, manager Erik ten Hag, and United’s owners. The mutual contract termination in November 2022 left deep scars that haven’t healed.
ESPN’s Mark Ogden, one of the most well-connected journalists covering Manchester United, stated unequivocally: “There’s no way back for Ronaldo.” Ogden emphasized that this position would hold regardless of who becomes Manchester United’s permanent manager, whether that’s current interim boss Michael Carrick, England coach Thomas Tuchel (widely linked with the job post-2026 World Cup), or another candidate entirely.
Financial Impossibility
The economics of a Cristiano Ronaldo next move to Manchester United don’t make sense for either party. Ronaldo currently earns approximately £500,000 per day at Al-Nassr—roughly £168 million annually when accounting for image rights and bonuses. This astronomical salary places him as the highest-paid athlete in world sport.
Manchester United, despite their commercial might, are operating under strict financial constraints imposed by both UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. The club has been actively working to reduce its wage bill, having already moved on high earners like Cristiano himself, Paul Pogba, and David de Gea in recent years.
For a Cristiano Ronaldo next move to Old Trafford to be financially viable, the Portuguese would need to accept a salary reduction of approximately 80-90%. Even if Ronaldo were willing to make such a dramatic sacrifice—which seems highly unlikely—the optics of Manchester United making an exception to their wage structure for a 41-year-old player would undermine their entire financial reformation.
The reported £44 million (€50 million) release clause in Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract presents another obstacle. While this fee might seem modest for a player of Ronaldo’s commercial value, it represents money Manchester United would prefer to invest in younger talent. The club’s recent transfer strategy has focused on players under 25 who can contribute for many years, not 41-year-olds in the twilight of their careers.
Tactical Incompatibility
From a purely tactical perspective, the Cristiano Ronaldo next move to Manchester United makes little sense given the club’s current direction. Interim manager Michael Carrick has achieved remarkable success by reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation after Rúben Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system proved ineffective.
Carrick’s approach emphasizes high pressing, defensive organization, and collective work rate—all areas where Ronaldo’s limitations have become increasingly apparent. At 41, Ronaldo can no longer press effectively, track back to support defensive transitions, or contribute significantly to the team’s out-of-possession shape. His game has evolved into that of a pure penalty-box striker who needs service and space to operate.
Manchester United’s current attacking options—Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo, and Benjamin Šeško—all offer the combination of youth, pace, and tactical versatility that Carrick’s system requires. Adding Ronaldo would disrupt this balance and force tactical compromises that could undermine the team’s overall effectiveness.
Moreover, Ronaldo’s presence would inevitably create selection headaches and dressing room dynamics that Manchester United desperately want to avoid. The last thing a rebuilding club needs is the media circus, ego management, and political complications that come with having Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad.
The Unhealed Wounds of His Second Departure
Perhaps the most fundamental reason why the Cristiano Ronaldo next move won’t be to Manchester United is the emotional and relational damage from his second spell at the club. The manner of his departure—publicly undermining the manager, criticizing teammates, and forcing a contract termination—left deep wounds that time hasn’t healed.
In his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022, Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by Manchester United, claimed the club “doubted” him when he missed preseason due to family reasons, and suggested that United had made “zero progress” since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. He also stated he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag because “he doesn’t show respect for me.”
These comments weren’t just career-damaging—they were relationship-destroying. Manchester United executives, coaching staff, and many players felt disrespected by Ronaldo’s public airing of grievances. The institution moved on, and any nostalgia for Ronaldo’s contributions during his first spell (2003-2009) has been thoroughly eroded by the acrimony of his second departure.
For the Cristiano Ronaldo next move to involve Manchester United, both parties would need to engage in an uncomfortable reconciliation that neither appears willing to undertake. The club has explicitly stated they’ve “washed their hands” of Ronaldo, while the player himself has shown no indication of wanting to return to a place where he felt undervalued and disrespected.
The Realistic Options for Cristiano Ronaldo Next Move
While Manchester United may be off the table, the Cristiano Ronaldo next move still presents several viable options that align better with his current circumstances, ambitions, and realistic market value.
Sporting CP: The Romantic Return Home
The most emotionally compelling option for the Cristiano Ronaldo next move is a return to Sporting CP, the Lisbon club where his professional journey began nearly 25 years ago. This possibility has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, with multiple credible sources reporting that Sporting are seriously evaluating the feasibility of bringing their prodigal son home.
Ronaldo joined Sporting’s academy at age 12 and progressed through their youth system before making 25 first-team appearances and scoring five goals between 2002 and 2003. His performances caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson, leading to his €15 million transfer to Manchester United in August 2003—a move that changed the trajectory of football history.
Former Sporting player Ricardo Sá Pinto, who played alongside Ronaldo during his time at the club, has publicly advocated for his return. Speaking to Radio Marca, Sá Pinto said: “It would be incredible to see him finish his career at Sporting CP. It would be the best, a beautiful story for everyone. When you love football like Cristiano, you know there are stories that only happen once. It would be a beautiful story, a very beautiful one. The Sporting fans deserve it. And so does he.”
The romantic appeal of this Cristiano Ronaldo next move cannot be overstated. Returning to Sporting would allow him to complete a career arc that began in Lisbon, providing narrative closure to one of football’s greatest stories. He would have the opportunity to win the Primeira Liga with his boyhood club, compete in the UEFA Champions League, and prepare for the 2026 World Cup in a familiar, supportive environment.
Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, has been a vocal supporter of this possibility. In a 2021 interview, she stated: “Ronaldo has to come back here. If it were my choice, he would already be here. He likes to watch Sporting games. I’ve already told him: ‘Son, before I die, I want to see you return to Sporting’.”
Portuguese media reports suggest that Ronaldo is genuinely contemplating this option, particularly if his situation at Al-Nassr becomes completely untenable. According to Bein Sports, he could replace Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting’s Swedish striker who is attracting interest from major European clubs. Ronaldo would reportedly be willing to significantly reduce his salary to make the move financially viable for Sporting.
The primary obstacle to this Cristiano Ronaldo next move is financial. Sporting cannot compete with the £500,000-per-day salary Ronaldo earns in Saudi Arabia. Even with a dramatic wage reduction, he would still need to be among Sporting’s highest-paid players, which could create internal squad harmony issues. Additionally, the €50 million release clause in his Al-Nassr contract would need to be negotiated down or waived entirely.
However, if Ronaldo genuinely prioritizes legacy and emotion over financial maximization, Sporting represents the most poetic conclusion to his career. The commercial benefits for Sporting would be enormous, potentially offsetting the salary investment through increased merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and global exposure.
Major League Soccer: The American Adventure
Another highly plausible destination for the Cristiano Ronaldo next move is Major League Soccer, where his arrival would create unprecedented commercial and sporting impact. The possibility of Ronaldo following Lionel Messi to North America has captivated MLS officials, club executives, and fans worldwide.
MLS has transformed dramatically in recent years, evolving from a retirement league into an increasingly competitive and commercially viable product. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July 2023 accelerated this transformation, generating record viewership, attendance, and global attention. The league’s leadership would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to add Ronaldo to their roster of marquee talent.
According to Sports Illustrated, multiple MLS clubs have expressed interest in exploring a potential Ronaldo transfer. The most frequently mentioned destinations include:
Los Angeles FC (LAFC): Perhaps the most logical MLS destination for the Cristiano Ronaldo next move. LAFC has an open Designated Player spot, plays in one of America’s largest markets, and has demonstrated willingness to invest in elite talent. The prospect of Ronaldo playing alongside Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga would create one of MLS’s most formidable attacking trios. Los Angeles itself offers the lifestyle, climate, and commercial opportunities that would appeal to Ronaldo’s brand-building ambitions.
Inter Miami: The most commercially explosive but practically challenging option. Reuniting Ronaldo and Messi—the two greatest players of their generation who have defined football for nearly two decades—would generate unprecedented global interest. However, Inter Miami currently has all three Designated Player slots occupied by Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame. Engineering a Cristiano Ronaldo next move to Miami would require complex roster maneuvering that may prove impossible under MLS’s salary cap rules.
LA Galaxy: LAFC’s cross-town rivals have reportedly expressed interest and have the financial resources to make a competitive offer. The Galaxy could pitch Ronaldo on competing directly against LAFC and Son, creating another iconic rivalry to market alongside his historic competition with Messi.
San Diego FC: The newest MLS franchise, which began play in 2026, has been linked with several high-profile players as they establish their identity. Landing Ronaldo would instantly put San Diego on the global football map and provide the young club with credibility and star power.
Sporting Kansas City: An intriguing dark horse option. Kansas City actively pursued Ronaldo when he was leaving Manchester United in late 2022 before he ultimately chose Al-Nassr. The club crucially holds Ronaldo’s “discovery rights” in MLS’s Byzantine roster rules system, giving them potential leverage in any transfer negotiations. Recent ownership changes at Kansas City suggest new ambition and investment that could make this Cristiano Ronaldo next move realistic.
The case for MLS as the Cristiano Ronaldo next move rests on several factors. First, the financial package, while lower than his current Al-Nassr salary, would still be substantial—likely in the $15-25 million range annually when accounting for salary, endorsements, and image rights deals. Second, the lifestyle in major American cities would appeal to Ronaldo’s family, particularly his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children. Third, the competitive level would allow Ronaldo to remain sharp and score goals prolifically while managing his physical load ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, critics argue that MLS would represent a step down in competitive standards and could harm Ronaldo’s legacy. The “retirement league” stigma, though increasingly outdated, still persists in some circles. Additionally, questions remain about whether Ronaldo would accept sharing the spotlight with Messi or other stars, given his historically competitive nature.
Remaining in Saudi Arabia at a Different Club
A less discussed but entirely plausible Cristiano Ronaldo next move involves staying in Saudi Arabia but transferring to a different club within the league. While his protest specifically targets the PIF’s unequal treatment of Al-Nassr, Ronaldo might be open to joining one of the PIF’s better-supported clubs if offered the sporting project he desires.
Al-Hilal represents the most obvious internal Saudi option. They are currently leading the Saudi Pro League, have just added Karim Benzema to their squad, and can offer Ronaldo the realistic chance of winning major trophies. A Ronaldo-Benzema reunion would recreate one of football’s most successful partnerships from their Real Madrid days, when they combined for hundreds of goals and multiple Champions League titles.
However, such a move carries significant risks for Ronaldo’s reputation. Transferring to Al-Hilal after publicly protesting against the PIF’s preferential treatment of that very club would appear hypocritical and opportunistic. It would transform his principled stand into mere posturing, damaging his credibility and legacy. Additionally, joining the club he accused of receiving unfair advantages would validate his initial complaints while simultaneously abandoning them for personal benefit.
Other Saudi clubs outside the PIF structure could theoretically pursue Ronaldo, but none possess the financial resources or sporting infrastructure to match his ambitions. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move within Saudi Arabia seems unlikely unless Al-Nassr fundamentally transforms its management and transfer approach—a scenario that appears increasingly improbable given the public nature of their dispute.
Other European Possibilities
While most European clubs have been ruled out for various reasons, a handful of speculative options for the Cristiano Ronaldo next move have emerged in media discussions:
Real Madrid: The club where Ronaldo enjoyed his greatest success, winning four Champions League titles and becoming the all-time leading scorer. However, multiple sources confirm that Real Madrid have “made a firm decision” not to re-sign Ronaldo. The club is committed to building around younger talents like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. A sentimental return, while emotionally appealing to some fans, contradicts Madrid’s forward-looking recruitment strategy.
Juventus: Ronaldo’s former club in Turin could theoretically be interested, but the Serie A giants have no financial capacity to afford his wages and are themselves rebuilding after disappointing recent seasons.
Paris Saint-Germain: With Messi departed and Mbappé at Real Madrid, PSG could theoretically make a statement signing. However, the French club is pivoting toward younger players under new management and shows no indication of pursuing aging superstars.
Chelsea or Newcastle United: Premier League clubs with substantial financial backing, but neither has shown any interest in Ronaldo. Chelsea’s erratic transfer strategy and Newcastle’s careful financial management under Saudi ownership make them unlikely destinations.
The consensus among football analysts is that the Cristiano Ronaldo next move will not involve one of Europe’s elite clubs. The combination of his age, wage demands, limited pressing ability, and tactical inflexibility makes him unattractive to Champions League-caliber teams pursuing modern, collective football philosophies.
The 2026 World Cup Factor: How It Shapes Cristiano Ronaldo Next Move
The approaching FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, plays a crucial role in determining the Cristiano Ronaldo next move. At 41, this will almost certainly be Ronaldo’s final World Cup—his sixth tournament appearance, which would set a new record.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has maintained his support for Ronaldo despite criticism from some quarters that the veteran’s presence inhibits the team’s tactical development. Martínez recently highlighted Ronaldo’s production for the national team: “He’s a player who, for us, is a finisher. He’s the all-time leading scorer. So, having a player who now has 25 goals in the last 30 games for the national team is a gift.”
This international context influences the Cristiano Ronaldo next move in several important ways:
Club Choice and Playing Time: Ronaldo needs to choose a club where he will play regularly and remain sharp for the World Cup. This requirement favors destinations like MLS or Sporting CP, where he would be guaranteed starting positions, over elite European clubs where he might struggle for game time.
Physical Management: At his age, Ronaldo requires careful load management to avoid injury and maintain peak condition. The less physically demanding nature of MLS or the Portuguese league could help him arrive at the World Cup in optimal shape, whereas a grueling Premier League or Saudi campaign might take its toll.
Timing of Any Transfer: The urgency to resolve his club situation before the World Cup affects the timeline of the Cristiano Ronaldo next move. Reports suggest he wants certainty by June 2026, allowing time to settle at a new club before Portugal’s tournament preparation begins.
Legacy Considerations: The 2026 World Cup represents Ronaldo’s final chance to win the one major trophy that has eluded him. This adds weight to his club decision—he will want to avoid any distractions or controversies that might undermine his international preparation.
Portugal are considered legitimate contenders for the 2026 World Cup, possessing a talented squad featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and emerging young stars. A strong tournament performance would provide the perfect capstone to Ronaldo’s legendary international career, potentially influencing how he views his club options.
If Ronaldo genuinely believes the World Cup represents his career’s final major objective, he might prioritize stability and familiar surroundings over ambitious sporting projects. This logic favors Sporting CP, where he would be surrounded by Portuguese teammates, coaching staff, and supporters who understand and appreciate his legacy.
The 1,000-Goal Milestone: Ronaldo’s Personal Quest
Beyond team honors and World Cup glory, the Cristiano Ronaldo next move is significantly influenced by his personal ambition to become the first footballer to score 1,000 career goals. This milestone has become increasingly important to Ronaldo as he enters the twilight of his career, representing a statistical achievement that would cement his status in football history.
As of February 2026, Ronaldo has scored approximately 961 career goals across club and international football. This means he requires just 39 more goals to reach the mythical four-figure mark. At his current scoring rate—he has netted 111 goals in 127 appearances for Al-Nassr—this milestone appears eminently achievable within the next 12-18 months.
The quest for 1,000 goals influences the Cristiano Ronaldo next move in crucial ways:
League Selection: Ronaldo needs to play in a league where he can score prolifically. This consideration favors MLS, the Portuguese league, or even remaining in Saudi Arabia over returning to an elite European competition where goals might be harder to come by at his age.
Playing Position: Any new club must guarantee Ronaldo a central striking role where he can maximize goal-scoring opportunities. Tactical systems that emphasize his finishing while minimizing defensive responsibilities would be ideal.
Match Availability: Ronaldo needs regular playing time across all competitions to accumulate the necessary goal total. This requirement argues against joining a club where rotation might limit his appearances.
Competition Timing: The 2026 World Cup presents an ideal stage for Ronaldo to reach or surpass 1,000 goals. Imagine the global attention if he achieves this milestone on football’s grandest stage—it would be a perfectly scripted moment for someone who has always been acutely aware of his legacy and place in history.
In interviews, Ronaldo has explicitly referenced this goal. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Dubai in December 2025, he said: “My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I want to reach 1,000 goals.”
This statement reveals Ronaldo’s priorities: location matters less than opportunity. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move will be determined primarily by where he can continue scoring goals at a high rate while maintaining his physical condition and preparing for the World Cup. Whether that’s in California, Lisbon, or even staying in Riyadh at a different club remains to be seen.
Financial Realities: The £44 Million Release Clause and Wage Considerations
The financial dimension of the Cristiano Ronaldo next move involves complex considerations around his release clause, current wages, and potential salary packages at different destinations. Understanding these economics helps explain why certain moves are realistic while others remain fantasy.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract contains a €50 million (£44 million) release clause that can be activated during the summer 2026 transfer window. This clause provides a clear exit mechanism, though its value creates interesting dynamics:
For Top Clubs: £44 million represents reasonable value for a player of Ronaldo’s commercial magnetism, even at 41. However, the transfer fee is only one component of the total financial package. When combined with wages, signing bonuses, agent fees, and other costs, the all-in investment would likely exceed £100 million over a two-year contract. Few clubs are willing to make this commitment for a player in his 40s.
For MLS Clubs: The release clause presents a significant but not insurmountable obstacle. MLS clubs with ambitious ownership (LAFC, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy) could theoretically afford the fee if they believed Ronaldo’s commercial impact would generate sufficient return on investment through increased ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and global brand exposure.
For Sporting CP: £44 million likely exceeds Sporting’s comfortable transfer record. However, creative deal structures—including performance-based payments, image rights arrangements, and potential contributions from Portuguese sponsors eager to associate with Ronaldo’s return—could make the transfer financially viable.
For Other European Clubs: Most elite European clubs would balk at paying £44 million for a 41-year-old, regardless of his name value. The economics simply don’t align with modern recruitment strategies emphasizing younger players with resale potential.
Beyond the transfer fee, Ronaldo’s wage expectations fundamentally shape the Cristiano Ronaldo next move. His current Al-Nassr salary reportedly amounts to approximately £500,000 per day (roughly £180 million annually including all bonuses and image rights). This astronomical figure makes him the highest-paid athlete in world sport, surpassing even the wealthiest Premier League players.
Any move away from Saudi Arabia would require Ronaldo to accept a dramatic salary reduction:
MLS Scenario: Ronaldo could realistically expect $20-30 million annually in MLS when combining salary with image rights and sponsorship deals. This represents roughly 15-20% of his current earnings—a significant reduction but still among the highest in league history.
Sporting CP Scenario: Portuguese clubs cannot compete financially with Saudi Arabia or even MLS. Ronaldo would likely need to accept wages in the €5-10 million annual range—perhaps 5% of his current package. Reports suggest he might be willing to make this sacrifice for the emotional and legacy benefits of a Sporting return.
Remaining in Saudi Scenario: If Ronaldo transfers to Al-Hilal or another Saudi club, he could potentially maintain his current salary level or accept only a minor reduction. This financial continuity might prove tempting if other options fall through.
The wage consideration explains why Manchester United has explicitly ruled out pursuing Ronaldo. Even if he accepted a 50% salary reduction (which seems generous), he would still be earning substantially more than any other Premier League player. The disruption to United’s wage structure and the precedent it would set make the Cristiano Ronaldo next move to Old Trafford economically irrational.
Al-Nassr’s Response: How the Club Has Handled the Crisis
The response from Al-Nassr to Ronaldo’s protest has been notably measured, revealing the delicate balancing act the club must perform between asserting institutional authority and maintaining their relationship with their marquee player.
Initially, Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo declined to comment on Ronaldo’s absence from the Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad matches, maintaining public silence while privately working to resolve the situation. This diplomatic approach avoided escalating tensions while giving all parties space to find a resolution.
However, as Ronaldo’s strike continued into a second match, Al-Nassr’s position hardened slightly. Sources close to the club confirmed to ESPN that they expected Ronaldo to play against Al-Ittihad on February 6, 2026, after he had missed the Al-Riyadh game to make his point. The fact that he extended his boycott surprised and frustrated club officials who believed the initial protest had served its purpose.
Interestingly, Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly supported Ronaldo by boycotting press conferences in solidarity. According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, “all attempts to secure Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation against Al-Ittihad have failed,” highlighting the depth of the player’s commitment to his protest and the coach’s backing of his position.
The club’s public messaging has been carefully calibrated to avoid burning bridges with Ronaldo while also maintaining institutional credibility. Al-Nassr continued posting birthday tributes and positive content featuring Ronaldo on social media, even as he refused to play. On his 41st birthday, February 5, 2026, Al-Nassr’s official X account posted: “The legend only grows. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership drive our dreams forward. Happy Birthday @Cristiano!”
This outwardly positive messaging contrasts with the reported internal tensions, suggesting Al-Nassr is keeping multiple options open. If Ronaldo’s demands can be met and the relationship salvaged, the public record shows the club never wavered in their support. If the Cristiano Ronaldo next move involves departure, the club can point to their professionalism throughout the crisis.
Behind the scenes, significant developments occurred to address Ronaldo’s grievances. According to ESPN, the PIF intervened to resolve the standoff by:
- Clearing all outstanding salary payments for Al-Nassr staff
- Restoring full management autonomy to Sporting Director Simao Coutinho and General Manager Jose Semedo
- Providing assurances about Al-Nassr’s competitive position and transfer budget for future windows
These concessions suggest that Ronaldo’s protest achieved its immediate objectives, forcing the PIF to acknowledge and address legitimate concerns about how Al-Nassr was being managed relative to other PIF-owned clubs. Reports from Bolavip indicate that Ronaldo has agreed to end his boycott and rejoin the squad following these changes.
However, even if Ronaldo returns to action for Al-Nassr in the short term, the fundamental tensions that sparked his protest may persist. Trust, once broken, is difficult to fully restore. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move may still involve departure from Saudi Arabia, even if a temporary truce has been established.
Al-Nassr’s practical challenge is that they performed well without Ronaldo during his absence. The team won both matches he missed—defeating Al-Riyadh 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mané’s goal and Al-Ittihad 2-0 with goals from Mané and Angelo Gabriel. These results demonstrated that while Ronaldo remains Al-Nassr’s biggest star, the team can function effectively without him.
This reality creates an uncomfortable dynamic. If Al-Nassr believe they can compete for titles without Ronaldo, they might be less motivated to meet all his demands or resist his eventual departure. Conversely, if Ronaldo sees that the team wins without him, he might question whether Al-Nassr truly needs him—further reinforcing his desire to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
The Broader Saudi Pro League Context
Understanding the Cristiano Ronaldo next move requires examining the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s football ambitions and the challenges the Saudi Pro League has faced in its attempt to become a global football destination.
The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has identified football as a key component of the country’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, enhance its global reputation, and position itself as a major sports and entertainment hub. The PIF’s investment in football has been extraordinary, totaling well over $1 billion in transfer fees and player salaries since 2023.
Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023 served as the cornerstone of this strategy. His signing was meant to legitimize the league, attract other elite players, and generate global interest in Saudi football. To a significant extent, this strategy succeeded. Following Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League attracted Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and numerous other established stars from Europe’s top leagues.
However, the current crisis with Ronaldo exposes fundamental challenges in Saudi Arabia’s football project:
Competitive Balance: The PIF’s ownership of four clubs creates inherent conflicts of interest regarding resource allocation. Ronaldo’s protest specifically highlights this issue. If Al-Hilal receives preferential treatment, the competitive integrity of the league is compromised. If all four clubs receive equal support, it defeats the purpose of having a centralized investment fund making strategic decisions.
Player Power: Ronaldo’s ability to stage a public protest demonstrates that even in an autocratic country with enormous financial resources, individual player leverage remains significant. His global fame and marketability give him negotiating power that the league cannot easily dismiss. This precedent could embolden other high-profile players to make similar demands.
Sporting vs. Commercial Objectives: The tension between sporting success and commercial strategy underlies the entire dispute. From a pure sporting perspective, strengthening Al-Hilal by adding Benzema makes sense if the goal is to create a super-team capable of winning the AFC Champions League and competing credibly in the FIFA Club World Cup. From a commercial perspective, however, having Ronaldo at a weaker club undermines his ability to win trophies and remain globally relevant—which defeats the purpose of signing him.
Long-term Sustainability: The Saudi Pro League’s model of paying extraordinary wages to aging superstars is economically unsustainable unless it generates corresponding revenue growth. While attendance has increased and some broadcast deals have been signed, the league remains heavily subsidized by the PIF. If the Ronaldo saga damages the league’s reputation and causes other stars to reconsider Saudi moves, the entire strategy could unravel.
Cultural and Lifestyle Challenges: Beyond the sporting and financial issues, the Saudi Pro League faces persistent challenges in attracting and retaining top players due to cultural differences, social restrictions, and quality of life concerns. Many players who moved to Saudi Arabia have struggled to adapt, with some privately expressing regrets about their decisions. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move, if it involves leaving Saudi Arabia, could reinforce narratives that even extraordinary wealth cannot compensate for these lifestyle factors.
The league’s public statement responding to Ronaldo’s protest attempted to assert institutional authority and defend its competitive integrity. However, the very need to issue such a statement reveals the damage the controversy has inflicted on the league’s credibility and image.
If the Cristiano Ronaldo next move does involve leaving Saudi Arabia, it would represent a significant setback for the country’s football ambitions. Losing their marquee signing after just three years would raise questions about the project’s viability and deter other top players from considering Saudi moves. Conversely, if Ronaldo can be persuaded to stay, it would demonstrate the PIF’s ability to manage crises and maintain its football investments.
Expert Predictions: Where Will Ronaldo End Up?
As speculation about the Cristiano Ronaldo next move intensifies, football experts, former players, and transfer analysts have offered various predictions about where the Portuguese legend will end up:
Sporting CP (Most Likely): The consensus among many analysts is that a romantic return to Sporting CP represents the most likely scenario if Ronaldo leaves Al-Nassr. The emotional appeal, combined with Ronaldo’s reported willingness to accept reduced wages and his mother’s public advocacy for the move, makes this feel like destiny. Former players like Ricardo Sá Pinto and René Meulensteen have endorsed this possibility, viewing it as the perfect conclusion to Ronaldo’s career arc.
Remaining at Al-Nassr (Pragmatic Option): Some experts believe that despite the current tensions, Ronaldo will ultimately remain at Al-Nassr after securing the concessions he sought. His contract runs through 2027, the financial package remains unmatched anywhere in world football, and the recent changes to club management address his primary grievances. If the sporting situation improves and Al-Nassr mount a credible title challenge, Ronaldo might decide the path of least resistance is to stay put.
MLS Move (Commercial Wildcard): The potential for a Ronaldo move to MLS cannot be dismissed, particularly given the league’s track record of landing high-profile players and the commercial opportunities American markets provide. LAFC is frequently mentioned as the most realistic destination, though Inter Miami’s appeal—particularly the Messi reunion angle—keeps that possibility alive despite roster constraints.
Internal Saudi Transfer (Least Likely): While theoretically possible, most experts view a transfer to Al-Hilal or another Saudi club as unlikely due to the reputational risks and appearance of hypocrisy it would create for Ronaldo. He would essentially be benefiting from the very system he protested against.
Manchester United Return (Fantasy): Virtually every credible analyst has ruled out a Manchester United return as pure media speculation with no basis in reality. As Wes Brown stated, “I can’t see how that could happen.” This consensus reflects the club’s explicit disinterest, the financial impossibility, and the unhealed wounds from Ronaldo’s previous departure.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has remained cautious in his predictions, emphasizing that Ronaldo’s final decision will depend heavily on how the 2026 World Cup unfolds and whether his 1,000-goal milestone can be achieved in the near term. Romano suggests that Ronaldo will likely make a definitive decision after the summer transfer window opens in June 2026.
Conclusion: The Inevitable Truth About Cristiano Ronaldo Next Move
As the football world watches Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian chapter potentially draw to a close, one conclusion has emerged with absolute clarity: the Cristiano Ronaldo next move will not be to Manchester United, regardless of how many media outlets speculate otherwise or how much some fans might wish for a fairy-tale reunion.
The evidence supporting this conclusion is overwhelming. Manchester United have explicitly stated they’re not interested in bringing Ronaldo back. The club’s financial strategy, tactical direction, and institutional memory all militate against pursuing a 41-year-old player whose previous spell ended in acrimony and mutual disappointment. Former teammates like Wes Brown, who know Ronaldo intimately, unanimously agree that a return to Old Trafford “won’t happen.”
Beyond Manchester United specifically, the broader question of the Cristiano Ronaldo next move remains genuinely uncertain. The situation at Al-Nassr continues to evolve, with recent concessions from the PIF addressing some of his grievances. Whether these changes prove sufficient to repair the damaged relationship or merely represent a temporary pause in an inevitable departure remains unclear.
If Ronaldo does leave Saudi Arabia, the most realistic destinations appear to be Sporting CP or an MLS club—most likely LAFC. Both options offer compelling narratives: Sporting represents the romantic homecoming that would complete his career’s emotional arc, while MLS provides the commercial platform and competitive environment to pursue his 1,000-goal milestone while preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
What seems certain is that wherever the Cristiano Ronaldo next move takes him, it won’t be back to Manchester United. That bridge was burned in November 2022, and the passage of time has done nothing to rebuild it. United have moved on, Ronaldo has moved on, and both parties are better served looking forward rather than attempting to recreate a past that exists now only in nostalgia.
The coming months will reveal whether Ronaldo’s protest achieves lasting change at Al-Nassr, whether he ultimately pursues the emotional pull of a Sporting CP return, or whether he embraces a new adventure in Major League Soccer. But one destination we can definitively rule out is Manchester United. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move may take him across continents and into unexpected situations, but it won’t take him back to Old Trafford.
As Wes Brown succinctly put it: “I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.” In football as in life, some stories cannot be rewritten, some relationships cannot be repaired, and some homecomings are better left as memories rather than attempted realities. The Cristiano Ronaldo next move represents many possibilities, but a Manchester United return is not among them.
