Cristiano Ronaldo broke the internet on Monday after revealing a cryptic message via Instagram that might hint the Portuguese mega-star's searching for a new club.
The post included the caption “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written,” following the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr FC, his home for the past two seasons, narrowly missed out on a top-two spot, which would have seen them qualify for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Bookies are already open with Ronaldo's next club odds, which have gained traction on the back of the interview that FIFA President Gianni Infantino did with iShowSpeed, stating that the wheels were already in motion for Ronaldo to feature in the competition.
A plausible scenario could unfold in which the Portuguese mega-star signs a short-term deal before finalising a longer contract upon its completion.
Latest Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer Odds
FIFA’s exceptional transfer window opens from June 1st to June 10th, designed to allow teams to make deals before the start of the Club World Cup.
It’s been touted as the “Ronaldo clause”, with head honchos at football’s governing body desperate to leverage his superstar status and one billion social media followers.
The latest odds (below) for Cristiano Ronaldo’s next club have a deadline to be completed by June 14th, 2025.
| Ronaldo’s Next Club | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Botafogo | 7/2 | bet365 |
| Monterrey | 7/2 | bet365 |
| Al-Hilal Riyadh | 4/1 | bet365 |
| Los Angeles FC | 5/1 | bet365 |
| Sporting | 13/2 | bet365 |
| Al-Nassr Riyadh | 7/1 | bet365 |
| River Plate | 20/1 | bet365 |
| Inter Miami | 25/1 | bet365 |
Ronaldough? Al-Hilal Backed to Splash Big for CR7
Logistically speaking, a move to Saudi-based AL-Hilal makes the most sense for Ronaldo’s next club.
They are one of the few in world football that have the resources to match his eye-watering £177 million annual salary with Al-Nassr and would cause the least disruption to his now settled family.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has backed the move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to remain in the country, but there is a feeling that there will be pushback from the Al-Hilal board due to the substantial wage demands.
From a betting perspective, this is one of two moves that are highly plausible and decent value at the 4/1 mark.
From Riyadh to Rodeo Drive: Ronaldo’s LAFC Odds Shorten
The MLS seems like an obvious move for someone with the profile of Ronaldo, and Los Angeles FC’s participation in the FIFA CWC has added fuel to that fire as odds shorten from 7/1 into 5/1 overnight.
Sitting at 936 career goals, his chase for 1,000 means that clubs who are in-season have a little more appeal. He’s on the wrong side of 40 now, and he will want to find a club where he can hit the ground running.
From a commercial point of view, LA has the resources to house a global powerhouse like Ronaldo. But it’s likely from a financial perspective that Ronaldo would have to take a considerable wage cut to get this deal done.
From a fan's perspective, there is the mouthwatering prospect that he will come head-to-head with his long-term rival, Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 was a massive coup for the MLS, and adding Ronaldo would only bolster the league as they look to continue with their own global expansion.
LAFC would be a good fit from both a lifestyle and football aspect, but are they willing (able?) to pull the trigger financially? If so, this would be our top tip for Ronaldo’s next club.
Ronaldo to Monterrey? Odds Say it’s Nacho Average Transfer
According to bookmaker bet365, a surprise move to Mexican outfit Monterrey is the most likely outcome in Ronaldo’s transfer quest.
He’s currently 7/2 to join up with former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, and the Mexican outfit has bringing the Portuguese star on board for their FIFA World Club Cup campaign.
A longer-term deal would see Ronaldo compete in Liga MX, the sixth different league in his career.
It would be a bold move to make, but one that the Mexican Football Federation would welcome with open arms as they look to boost the profile of their domestic campaign.
Whether CR7 decides to swap Hilal for hot sauce is likely going to come down to money.
The financial firepower Monterrey has compared with the Saudi Pro League pales in significance, and even though this is where the early money is heading, it would send shockwaves around the football world if it got over the line.