In his fifth and final World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again fallen short of winning the one major trophy that has eluded him.
Portugal were knocked out of Qatar 2022 with a shock 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals. Ronaldo didn't start the match but he came on as a sub in the 51st minute.
Ronaldo had begun the tournament by making history as he became the first player to score in five different World Cups.
That was the only goal for the 37-year-old in the tournament and it's clear even Ronaldo isn't immune to Father Time with his playing career now close to its final chapter, with speculation growing as to his next club now his World Cup adventure is over.
MORE: Ronaldo tops list of all-time leading international goalscorers
Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring after Portugal elimination?
Prior to arriving in Qatar, Ronaldo gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which ultimately led to his exit from Manchester United.
Aside from slating the club, the Portugal star also discussed retirement and made it clear he wasn't thinking of hanging up his boots just yet.
"I want to play two years more, three years more. So, two or three years maximum," Ronaldo said.
"I want to finish at 40. I think 40 will be a good age... but I don't know, I don't know the future.
"Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as I said many times, life is dynamic and you never know what's going to happen."
Based on those comments, the 2022 World Cup was definitely his last, with his days in a Portugal jersey also now numbered. He would be 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around.
Ronaldo also told Morgan that if Portugal had won the tournament he would have retired from international duty on the spot.
Cristiano Ronaldo's next club: Is CR7 done in Europe?
With his World Cup now done and dusted, Ronaldo's attention can turn to finding his next club.
The Real Madrid great burned his bridges at Manchester United as the two went their separate ways prior to Qatar 2022 starting.
Ronaldo has spent his entire career playing in Europe but rumours are swirling he's now bound to play further abroad.
While MLS always seems to be an attractive option for players prior to retirement, the Middle East is looming as a more likely destination for Ronaldo.
After turning down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia over the summer, Ronaldo is once again being linked with a big offer from Al Nassr.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo signing with Al Nassr?
Ronaldo is expected to put pen to paper with his next club by the start of 2023 after spending the holidays with his family.
Al Nassr were already eight league games into their 2022/23 season at the start of the 2022 World Cup and will be eager to secure Ronaldo's services as soon as possible.
The Saudi Arabian club finished third in the league last season and last won the title in 2018/19.
According to Marca, they are reportedly willing to offer Ronaldo just under €100 million (£86.1m/$105m) as a signing-on fee with his proposed salary rumoured to be around €200m per season (£172m/$211m). Such a deal would make Ronaldo by far the best-paid player in football history.
The contract would be expected to run for two and a half years, keeping Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia until the middle of 2025.
