Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, ensuring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue playing in the Saudi Pro League beyond his 42nd birthday. The new deal silences growing speculation over his future and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s football ambitions on the global stage.
Now 40, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 following a controversial departure from Manchester United, where he had openly criticized the club and manager Erik ten Hag. Initially signed through mid-2024, his renewed commitment signals an unwavering belief in Al-Nassr’s long-term vision and elevates his legacy in Middle Eastern football.
Confirming the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo wrote: “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.” The post follows weeks of fan uncertainty after he previously hinted at a possible exit, posting cryptically, “the chapter is over,” in the wake of a disappointing season.
Despite failing to secure a domestic trophy since Ronaldo’s arrival, Al-Nassr has benefited from his prolific scoring record. He netted 35 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season, topping the Saudi Pro League scoring charts for a second consecutive year.
In total, the Portuguese icon has scored an astonishing 99 goals in 111 matches for Al-Nassr, bringing him within 62 goals of the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone in senior football, a feat only he appears capable of reaching. His stats underscore his continued dominance, even in the twilight of his career.
The extension also comes amid reports that Ronaldo rejected offers from clubs set to compete in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had hinted that the global superstar could still feature in the tournament with another team, but Ronaldo’s loyalty to Al-Nassr has overridden any potential European return.
Ronaldo’s renewed deal is also reportedly worth a staggering £177 million annually, cementing his place among the world’s highest-paid athletes. The agreement reflects not just his on-pitch value, but his unmatched global brand power and influence in the Saudi football project.
Earlier this month, he led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League, reaffirming his relevance on the international stage. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Ronaldo appears poised to pursue a record-breaking sixth appearance at the tournament.
While a return to European football now seems definitively off the table, the forward’s decision to stay signals his intent to keep competing at the highest available level, on his own terms. His continued presence in the Saudi Pro League is a powerful endorsement of its rising stature and international pull.
Ronaldo’s decision reinforces his role as both a sporting icon and an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s football transformation. As he edges toward new personal records and legacy milestones, the world will be watching goal by goal.
