Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move: From Club World Cup contenders to shock African suitors

Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Al Nassr. The global football icon announced on his social media channels on Monday that he was looking for a new challenge.

"This chapter is over," Ronaldo Instagram with a photo of him in an Al Nassr shirt. "The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."

With Ronaldo leaving Al Nassr, IOL Sport takes a look at potential destinations as the attention now focuses to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Most likely

Al Hilal’s name has been mentioned as a possible destination for Cristiano Ronaldo. Like Al Nassr, they’re swimming in money, so his astronomical wages would not be a problem for them. Al Hilal are also based in Riyadh, so Ronaldo wouldn’t have to deal with the whole schlep of having to move house.

Importantly, Al Hilal are playing at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo signing for Al Hilal would also be FIFA’s dream as it could set up a potential meeting with football’s other global superstar Lionel Messi, who plays in the colours of Inter Miami in America’s MLS.

In the mix

Every football romantic would love to see Cristiano finishing his career at Sporting, where it all began for him. However, the club’s modest bank account could prove a stumbling block.

Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca have openly stated their interest in bringing Ronaldo to Africa. Earlier this week, the club signed former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who said: "The president is very ambitious and is still working with some very big names. It is true that Cristiano is one of them." They now have a little over two weeks to find the cash to tempt Ronaldo to leave the sandy dunes of the Middle East for the sandy dunes of North Africa. Morocco’s close proximity to Portugal could be a pull factor.

Like Wydad Casablanca, Al Ahly have tried in the past to bring the megastar to Africa, but his huge wage demands have kept them at bay.

Where fans want him to go

Many football fans around the world would love to see him head over to Inter Miami to play alongside Lionel Messi. However, any deal to sign Ronaldo would probably see the club break the MLS’ salary cap.

But, with Inter Miami owner David Beckham one of the most powerful people in American football, anything can happen.

Burnt bridges, but possible

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is a fan of Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a fan of Amorim. He could be tempted to return to Old Trafford for a third time, but enough bridges have been burnt, especially with the Glazer family who still own the club. Amorim needs someone who can score goals, and despite being on the other side of 40, Ronaldo still has goals in him. But, the chances of Ronaldo returning to United are remote.

He could also return to Real Madrid, where he remains a legend. But for that to happen, Florentino Perez would have to leave his role as the club’s president.

No chance

A couple of years ago, it was a potential move to Manchester City that made United pursue him. If he does return to the Premier League, one might feel it will only be to one club. Chelsea have also been mentioned, surprisingly by Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke, but no.

What about Ronaldo in Mzansi?

Imagine Cristiano Ronaldo playing in South Africa. One club that stands out as a potential destination is Mamelodi Sundowns — a team with a strong winning culture and deep financial resources. So why not South Africa?

Ronaldo would likely enjoy life in Gauteng and feel right at home at the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium. With Betway Premiership defences often leaving a lot to be desired, he’d have no trouble racking up goals. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if he became the club’s all-time top scorer within just a few seasons.

And with Durban City staying put in Durban, at least he wouldn’t have to deal with trips to Pietermaritzburg. Maybe then, instead of laughing at Andile Mpisane’s antics, we could all marvel at the world’s greatest footballer lighting up Mzansi.

IOL Sport