Cristiano Ronaldo next clubs odds as Man Utd and Real Madrid legend goes on strike

Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to join his great rival Lionel Messi in the MLS after ‘going on strike’ at current club Al-Nassr.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has continued his sensational goalscoring form since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, netting 117 goals in 113 matches.

The 40-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Al-Nassr in May and reportedly received a ‘tempting’ offer from a rival club.

Ronaldo ultimately decided to stay put, with his current contract running until the summer of 2027, but fresh doubt has emerged over his future in Saudi this week.

Al-Nassr, currently three points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal, face Al-Riyadh on Monday but Ronaldo is expected to miss the game.

Portuguese outlet A Bola insist his absence if not injury or illness-related and instead a pointed decision made by the player himself.

It is claimed Ronaldo is ‘unhappy’ with the Public Investment Fund’s management of the club and feels others under the same ownership, including Al-Hilal, are given preferential treatment.

Ronaldo is said to be particularly disappointed by the perceived lack of investment at Al-Nassr, with the club only making one signing during the January transfer window.

If Ronaldo’s frustrations result in him leaving, a move to America and the MLS is the most likely outcome, according to the bookmakers.

Ronaldo joining ‘any MLS club’ is currently priced at 7/4, while the Portugal veteran is 5/2 to make an emotional return to boyhood club Sporting.

A move to another Saudi Pro League side is also a possibility, according to Betfair, while they are also offering prices for sensational returns to Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Betfair spokesperson, James Mackie told Metro: ‘Amid rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo has gone on strike at Al Nassr could he be set to leave the Saudi giants for a new challenge in the transfer window.

‘He is currently the 7/4 favourite to swap Saudi Arabia for the USA to join any MLS Club, with a sensational return to the club he started his professional career 5/2 for him to join Sporting Lisbon.

‘There could be potential for him to swap clubs in Saudi Arabia at 5/1, with a return to Real Madrid priced at 10/1.’

Ronaldo established himself as a global superstar during his first spell at Manchester United, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford after being signed by Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was at Real Madrid that Ronaldo secured his status as one of the greatest players in history, scoring a remarkable 450 goals in 438 appearances for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo lifted four more Champions League trophies during his spell in Madrid before a short but prolific spell at Juventus and a short-lived return to Manchester United.

Turning 41 this week, Ronaldo recently stated he will retire within the next two years but only after he reaches 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo, who will feature for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup, already has the most official goals in history with 961.

Speaking after being named the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo said: ‘It’s hard to continue playing, but I am motivated.

‘My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.

‘You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.’

Ronaldo already holds the record for most goals for Portugal and Real Madrid, and is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for four separate clubs.

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