Where will Ronaldo go next? Odds & predictions unpacked

Christiano Ronaldo is no stranger to the spotlight. He is a global icon, a beast on the field, and, currently, the richest athlete in the world. His career spanned over two decades, and the Portuguese legend continues to spark global headlines.

While currently at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, rumours of a potential move are gaining traction as fans debate what's next for one of the greatest footballers of all time.

If you're looking to place a wager or simply want to stay informed on this hot topic, keep track of the odds. The next chapter in the Ronaldo saga is just around the corner.

A timeline of Ronaldo’s journey

• 2003: Ronaldo is no late bloomer in sports. He signed with Manchester United when he was 18 and instantly became a sensation, soon establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the game.
• 2007: His best season with United came in 2007 when he scored 42 league and cup goals and earned the Golden Shoe award as Europe's leading scorer.
• 2008: In May 2008, Ronaldo helped United win the Champions League title and was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year honours.
• 2009: Ronaldo led the team in the Champions League final. Ronaldo was then sold to Spain’s Real Madrid for a staggering £80 million transfer fee.
• 2010: During the 2010–11 season, he netted the most goals in La Liga history.
• 2011: In 2011–12, Ronaldo helped Madrid win the La Liga championship, scoring a personal-best 46 goals during the season.
• 2013: He earned his second World Player of the Year award. Ronaldo won a total of 4 Championship League titles until he left the club in 2018.
• 2018: Ronaldo reached a four-year contract with the Italian club Juventus in July 2018. He finished his Real career with 311 goals in 292 matches.
• 2021: He left Juventus in 2021 and returned to Manchester United. However, both Ronaldo and Manchester struggled, and he expressed growing dissatisfaction with the club.
• 2022: In November 2022, his contract was terminated. The following month, Ronaldo signed with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

With his Al Nassr contract reportedly set to expire in 2025, speculation about a possible early exit or post-retirement plan is rife. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner posted a cryptic message following Al Nassr's final game of the season; he said, "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."

Ronaldo’s final chapter? Odds heat up as CR7 hints at one last move

It would be the dream ending for football fans worldwide if Ronaldo were to return to his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon, for one final season, with CR7 working his way up through the Sporting academy during his younger years.

But let's look at what the future holds for him and if he may end up playing at the FIFA World Cup:

Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal is the only Saudi Arabian side set to compete in the US this summer, and they have many former Premier League stars on their roster, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and João Cancelo.

There is speculation that Ronaldo is in talks with Saudi Pro League giants, with one local media outlet suggesting that Al-Hilal has agreed to a deal to sign him. Just like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and they are based in Riyadh, making this an easy switch for both Ronaldo and his family.

Sporting Lisbon

The striker Viktor Gyokeres is expected to leave the Portuguese giants this summer, so the starting role in the attack may be open. Ronaldo has never won a domestic title in his homeland. The only potential issue he may face is the salary.

Inter Miami

The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been one of football's great talking points over the past few decades, and it would be interesting to see both players lining up on the same team. The club has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport under David Beckham's ownership.

It could work financially, as Miami only has two designated players on their roster, and Major League Soccer teams are allowed up to three stars who count outside the salary cap. Ronaldo would be a dream addition, both in terms of talent and marketing power.

Manchester United

Could Ronaldo opt for a third try at Manchester United? He ended his second stay at the club when the then-manager Erik ten Hag made it clear that the Reds legend was not part of his plans. However, after two-and-a-half years, United fans think more fondly of Ronaldo than they do of their departed manager.

The Turkish club Galatasaray has 17/2 odds if he plays a season in Istanbul, while the newly crowned Italian champions Napoli are at 14/1 after he previously played for Juventus.

What makes the most sense?

While the odds help guide sports betting decisions, deeper insights are key for serious bettors and fans alike. Let’s look at what football analysts suggest:

• Sporting Lisbon continues to be the sentimental and strategic favourite as it offers Ronaldo a homecoming and a platform to coach young talent.
• Inter Miami remains a strong commercial move, especially if Ronaldo is looking to expand his CR7 brand in the North American market.

Most experts agree that a return to one of Europe's top five leagues is unlikely if you take the physical demands and his age into consideration. However, his fitness levels remain elite, so nothing can be ruled out entirely.

What could influence his move?

1. CR7 has a huge following on Instagram, so any move he makes carries significant marketing implications.
2. Ronaldo reportedly earns over $200 million per year at Al Nassr, making a return to any European club financially challenging.
3. Ronaldo also expressed some interest in coaching his son if the opportunity arises. This can influence his future club based on where his son plays.

Sports Betting Tips

Football, being the top sport to wager on, will always be relevant in gambling. But if you are looking to place a bet on this exact event and want to win from Ronaldo’s next move, take a look at some of these pointers:

Christiano Ronaldo is not just a football star. Whether he plays another season in Saudi Arabia, returns to his roots in Portugal, or decides to surprise everyone with a move to the MLS, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.