RIYADH: Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an agreement to extend his contract with Saudi club Al Nassr until June 2026, a club official confirmed to AFP on Monday.
While the renewal is agreed upon, it has not been signed yet, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Ronaldo’s Journey with Al Nassr
- Joined Al Nassr in January 2023
- Scored 82 goals in 90 matches
- Current contract set to expire in June 2025
In August 2023, Ronaldo stated he would likely end his career at Al Nassr, saying:
“It may be soon or in two or three years, but it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr—the team that makes me happy.”
Ronaldo’s Impact on Saudi Football
Initially seen as trading an end-of-career payday for football obscurity, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia triggered a wave of superstar signings in the Saudi Pro League. His presence has:
- Elevated the league’s profile globally
- Influenced Saudi Arabia’s successful 2034 World Cup bid
- Expanded his digital reach, gaining 20 million YouTube subscribers in 24 hours when launching his channel in August
Chasing More Records
Despite his five Ballon d’Or and five Champions League titles, Ronaldo:
- Is closing in on 1,000 career goals
- Is yet to win a Saudi Pro League title
- Won only one trophy with Al Nassr: the Arab Club Champions Cup (2023)
With his renewed commitment, the 40-year-old forward remains a central figure in Saudi football’s ambitious expansion.
