Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with Al-Nassr, extending his stay with the Saudi Arabian club. The Portuguese superstar, who recently turned 40, has seemingly found a home in Riyadh and is poised to commit his future to the club, with reports suggesting the new deal could keep him there until 2026 or even 2027.
Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has become a pivotal figure in the Saudi Pro League. His current contract expires at the end of June 2025, but discussions for an extension have been ongoing. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that an agreement is in place, with just the length of the contract needing to be finalized. While one year is guaranteed, Saudi officials are keen to extend it further, potentially until 2027.
Ronaldo's decision to stay with Al-Nassr quashes any speculation about a possible departure. Despite Al Nassr not having a successful season as a team, he has scored a lot of goals since joining. There had been rumors of him joining a club participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with several clubs from Asia, Africa, and Latin America expressing interest in securing his services on a short-term deal. However, Ronaldo appears to have turned down these offers, choosing to remain loyal to Al-Nassr.
One of Ronaldo's primary motivations for continuing his career is the pursuit of reaching 1,000 career goals. With 938 goals to his name, he is within striking distance of this milestone. An additional season, or perhaps more, in Saudi Arabia could provide him with the platform to achieve this ambition.
Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level. In the recent season, he scored 25 goals in 30 league appearances, demonstrating his enduring quality and commitment. His continued excellence also extends to the international stage, where he recently secured another Nations League title with Portugal.
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has played a significant role in persuading Ronaldo to stay at Al-Nassr. The PIF reportedly guaranteed that Al-Nassr would build a competitive team around Ronaldo, with the player himself potentially having a say in the club's transfer dealings during the upcoming summer window.
While the financial terms of the new contract have not been fully disclosed, some reports suggest that Ronaldo may be willing to take a pay cut in exchange for a 5% ownership stake in the club. This would not only increase his earnings potential but also give him a greater say in the future direction of Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo's commitment to Al-Nassr is seen as a major boost for the Saudi Pro League. His arrival in 2022 paved the way for other high-profile players to join Saudi clubs, raising the league's profile and competitiveness. His continued presence will undoubtedly contribute to the league's growth and development as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.