Sports (Commonwealth Union) _ Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a contract, sealing a two-year extension with Al Nassr. The move cements his continuation at the Saudi Pro League club until 2027, eliminating speculation about the 40-year-old’s exit from the field.
The announcement was made through a post on X, with the club stating, “Christiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.” A teaser has been released moments prior to the announcement, showing Ronaldo walking along a beach, stating “Al Nssr forever”.
Ronaldo initially signed with Al Nassr in December 2022 after his high-profile departure from Manchester United, after publicly criticising his team management and head coach. His shift to Saudi Arabia coincided with an important turning point in the game, expanding the venture of international players into contracts with the Middle East.
Since his entry into the team, Ronaldo has been an exceptional scorer with a record of 35 goals in 41 matches and also finished the season as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the second year in a row. He has accumulated a total of 99 points in 111 appearances for Al Nassr and currently requires just 62 goals to reach the 1,000-goal milestone in senior football for the club and country.
However, despite the football star’s personal success, Al Nassr has not yet been able to secure trophies during his time with the club. The team finished with a league rank of #3, losing out on the Asian Champions League Semi-finals. Promptly after the wrap-up of the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo posted, “This chapter is over”, drawing speculation regarding his possible departure from the club. However, the football star has cleared up the questions regarding his career over the near future with the extension announcement.
The timing of Ronaldo’s announcement comes amid a crucial time for Saudi Arabia, with its upcoming plans for football and international recognition. The Saudi Pro League, supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has directed significant investments toward foreign talent with the intention of advancing its profile. A spokesperson for the PIF recently acknowledged Ronaldo’s role in the development of the Saudi Pro League and credited the international football star for encouraging other players to follow.
When Ronaldo initially joined Al-Nassr, reports alleged his salary to be approximately €200 million, making him the highest-paid footballer in the league. The continuation of his performance in the league not only reiterates its appeal but is also a significant boost to Saudi Arabia’s strategy to boost its image in anticipation of the 2034 World Cup, which they are set to host.
Moreover, the footballer’s decision to remain with Al Nassr also puts to rest several reports that have connected him with international football clubs that have qualified to play for the FIFA World Cup.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has publicly considered the possibility of the football star joining one of the teams that will be participating. However, the forward has demonstrated his commitment to the Saudi team by publicly declining offers made to him.
The departure of Al Nassr’s head coach, Stephano Pioli, has also marked a change in the team’s leadership. With the confirmation of Ronaldo’s extension with the team, all heads are currently focused on who will take the position at its helm and lead them towards a title.
Saudi Arabia’s intense focus on football has also drawn comparisons to the Chinese Super League, which also signed elite players with exceptional salaries. However, the financial pressure caused the league to collapse. Nevertheless, the Saudi League has much more substantial support, with the upcoming 2034 World Cup promising further security.
