Portuguese press reports have revealed a major surprise regarding the future of legend Cristiano Ronaldo with Saudi club Al-Nassr, disclosing details of a secret clause that could change the balance in the upcoming transfer market.
Details of the controversial penalty clause
According to the renowned Portuguese newspaper Record, Cristiano Ronaldo's current contract with Al-Nassr includes a clause allowing him to terminate the agreement and leave by June 2026 for a €50 million release clause. This clause has sparked widespread speculation about whether Ronaldo will continue his career in Saudi Arabia or seek a new challenge before retiring.
Possible destinations: Between the American dream and European nostalgia
Reports indicate that Major League Soccer (MLS) stands out as one of the strongest potential destinations for the Portuguese star should he decide to activate this clause, especially given the significant development of soccer in the United States and its upcoming hosting of the World Cup. The newspaper also did not rule out the possibility of Ronaldo returning to one of the major European leagues to conclude his career on the continent, an option that remains viable given the player's exceptional physical condition.
Ronaldo's impact: A qualitative leap for the Saudi League
Since Cristiano Ronaldo's historic transfer to Al-Nassr in early 2023, the Portuguese star has revolutionized Saudi and Asian football. His impact hasn't been limited to scoring crucial goals on the pitch; he has also acted as a magnet, attracting many of the world's top players, such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane, to join the Saudi Professional League. This influx of talent has placed the Saudi league in the global spotlight, increasing its market value and boosting its television broadcasting and sponsorship revenues.
The race for a thousand goals... the dream that haunts "Madeira's Rocket"
On the digital front, Ronaldo continues to make history. Having played 22 matches for Al-Nassr this season and scored 18 goals, he has now raised his career total to 961 goals. The Portuguese captain is now just 39 goals away from achieving the incredible milestone of 1000 goals, a feat no other player in the history of football has ever accomplished in official matches.
Technical stability and market value
Despite talk of a release clause, Ronaldo's official contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2027, reflecting both parties' desire to maintain their successful partnership for as long as possible. According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo's market value remains around €12 million, an exceptional figure for a player over 39 years old, confirming his continued contribution and significant impact both on and off the field.
