Cristiano Ronaldo Considers MLS Move Amid Al-Nassr Rift Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading for the Major League Soccer (MLS) if his ongoing disagreement with Al-Nassr is not resolved, PulseNets learnt from reports credited to Portuguese journalist Duarte Monteiro.

The 41-year-old forward is still keen on playing consistently as he targets peak fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for next summer. Regular minutes, PulseNets obtained, remain central to Ronaldo’s short-term career plans.

Ronaldo was conspicuously absent from Al-Nassr’s last two Saudi Pro League fixtures against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, a development that has further fuelled speculation around his future at the Riyadh-based club.

Sources familiar with the situation told PulseNets that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is deeply unhappy with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), accusing the body of failing to adequately support Al-Nassr during the winter transfer window, while rival club Al-Hilal reportedly received significant backing.

The tension reportedly intensified after the PIF blocked a late move that would have seen Karim Benzema switch from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal in the closing days of the transfer window, a decision that did not sit well with Ronaldo.

Monteiro, speaking via Kooora, insisted that Ronaldo has no intention of backing down, stating:

**“Ronaldo is frustrated because the club isn’t getting enough support and the directors don’t have as much control as they should.

“Ronaldo wants to keep playing often before the World Cup, and that’s his main focus.
If there is no agreement, he will go to the American league.”**

Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until the summer of 2027, although PulseNets reported that the deal includes a clause allowing him to leave for a fee of around €50 million.

Also Read: ‘They say I’m finished’ — Cristiano Ronaldo gives reason for joining Al Nassr

Despite the uncertainty, PulseNets learnt that Ronaldo’s preferred option is still to remain in the Saudi Pro League and continue with Al-Nassr, provided a workable resolution can be reached.

However, respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also told top Saudi Pro League officials, according to information obtained by PulseNets, that Ronaldo is seriously considering an exit from Saudi Arabia when the current season ends.