Ronaldo’s next move could rock world football again — 5 possible clubs

Cristiano Ronaldo may have just kicked his final ball for Al-Nassr – and true to form, he didn’t go quietly. After winning the Saudi Pro League golden boot for 35 goals, CR7 ignited a match in the rumour-mill with a cryptic post X: “This Chapter is Over. What is the story? Still being written. “Grateful for all.” Cryptic? Yes. Final? It is possible.

At 40, Ronaldo might be entering the twilight of his career, but make no mistake — there’s still fire in those boots. Ronaldo is making headlines once again, this time because he has no silverware from his Saudi stint. Al-Nassr Club World Cup hopes are also hanging in the balance.

Where next for the man that has conquered Manchester and become an all-time legend in Madrid? And who has sizzled in Saudi Arabia? We’ve taken a look at five jaw-dropping — and in some cases eyebrow-raising — destinations that could be next for the Madeira goal machine.

1. Brazil – samba, sunshine and… CR7?

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA chief, dropped a bombshell during an IShowSpeed interview, teasing: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the Club World Cup. There are talks with some clubs.

Four Brazilian teams — Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras — are in the tournament, and Ronaldo’s arrival would set the country alight. Marca has reported that a Brazilian team made an official offer. Renato Paiva, Botafogo manager, was coy about the possibility but did not rule it out. Christmas is in December. “But if he comes, you can’t turn down a star of that caliber.”

Ronaldo in Rio? Stranger things can happen. Neymar is a good example.

2. Al-Hilal – the Saudi switcheroo

Al-Nassr moving to Al-Hilal’s bitter rivals would be a spicy move. Al-Hilal is a cash-rich club, bound for the Club World Cup, and has a habit of hoarding top players. Saudi contracts are centralised, meaning a top-down nod could get this deal done without breaking a sweat — or a budget.

Let’s not deny it: CR7 could be the one to make a villainous entry in Riyadh.

3. Monterrey – Real Madrid amigos reunited in Mexico

Monterrey is in the running for the Club World Cup if the Club World Cup goal is to win it. The Liga MX giants boast none other than living legend Sergio Ramos — Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid partner-in-shutdown. Could the bromance be about to reignite on the international stage?

It’s ajar now that the FIFA transfer window is only open for 10 days. It would be short, sharp, and sensational — much like Ronaldo himself these days.

4. Esperance Tunis – from Champions League to camel rides?

The wildest card in the deck. Esperance Tunis, the reigning kings of Tunisia, were name-dropped in some media reports — but let’s be honest, this one’s more fantasy football than real deal. Their entire squad is worth under €20 million. Ronaldo makes more money in half a year than the entire squad.

This rumour is “doubtful”, unless they offer golden camels or beachfront villas. Still, imagine the scenes if it happened…

5. Sporting CP – home sweet home?

Could the prodigal return? Ronaldo came up through the ranks at Sporting CP, and with Viktor Gyökeres set to leave, there’s a striker-shaped hole in Lisbon. This would be a fairytale finale to a Hollywood-style career.

He’s previously claimed a return wasn’t on the cards — but as his X post suggests, this story’s still being written. Who doesn’t like a good return?

What is the Club World Cup?

Ronaldo’s golden boot may have lost its sheen without trophies, but he’s still a draw — and FIFA knows it. Ronaldo could be just the star they need to sell the Club World Cup tickets that are still collecting dust in the bins.

The new 32 team format begins on June 15 Messi’s Inter Miami faces Al-Ahly at the start of the US tournament. The final? The final? July 13, 2013 at MetLife Stadium — and don’t bet against Ronaldo turning up just in time to steal the show.

One last dance?

The 40-year-old CR7 still finds the net. The Club World Cup gives him one final stage, one last medal and one final chance to make everyone scream, “Siuuuu!” Before the curtain falls.

What about the next chapter? Stay tuned.

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