History is first and foremost a matter of numbers. 3-2. That's the score of Al Nassr's bitter defeat against Al-Fateh. A simple defeat, you might say? No, it's the one that sealed the team's fate: a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, meaning they won't qualify for the next AFC Champions League.

For a competitor of Cristiano Ronaldo's caliber, a 40-year-old man who lives for victory, this end to the season is more than a disappointment, it's a real blow.

 

The farewell tweet that feels like the end of an era.

A few hours after this devastating blow, the football world held its breath over a simple, poignant tweet from CR7:

"This chapter is closed, the story continues to be written, with gratitude to all."

A restrained message, yet one of explosive power. For many, this is not simply a post-defeat statement, but rather a veiled farewell. Is this the end of the Saudi adventure, which began with great fanfare at the end of December 2022, just after the World Cup in Qatar?

At the time, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was the first "truly great" to dare to take the plunge, paving the way for a wave of stars to this rapidly growing league. His contract, which ties him to Al Nassr for two and a half seasons, expires at the end of June, and the question on everyone's lips is now: where will the legend play next season?

 

Even FIFA is getting involved: a final lap for the Club World Cup?

The timing of this announcement is perfect, and even FIFA President Gianni Infantino weighed in, adding a touch of excitement to the suspense. He reminded everyone that FIFA is opening a special transfer window for teams that have qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup (which will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13).

Infantino was playful: "Ronaldo could play for one of the teams. There are discussions with some clubs. If a club is interested in signing Ronaldo... Who knows? There are still a few weeks left, it would be fun."

Embed video here: Cristiano Ronaldo announces his departure from Al Nassr | Watch

The idea of a last-minute dramatic turn of events with a lightning-fast transfer for this global competition is making fans dream.

Despite his age and the collective disappointment, it must be emphasized: at 40, the Portuguese striker proved he was far from finished, ending the season as the Saudi league's top scorer with 24 goals. A colossal performance that proves his fire still burns brightly.

The story has ended at Al Nassr, but the story of the legend Cristiano Ronaldo may just be turning a page, for one last explosive chapter.