All about Cristiano Ronaldo's contract extension with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend, has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr to extend his contract for an additional year, keeping him at the club until June 2026. According to an official from Al Nassr, while both parties have agreed on the terms for the contract extension, it has yet to be signed, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday last week, was initially set to see his current contract with Al Nassr expire in June 2025. However, this new deal will see him remain at the club for another year.

Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has made a significant impact on the field, scoring an impressive 82 goals in 90 appearances. His move to the Saudi Pro League came after an illustrious career with top European clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. In August 2024, Ronaldo had expressed his intention to stay with Al Nassr for the remainder of his professional career, suggesting that he could play for a few more years, possibly retiring in two to three years. The extension further solidifies Ronaldo's commitment to Al Nassr, where he has enjoyed success and has become one of the marquee players in the region, continuing to break records and inspire football fans worldwide.

When Cristiano Ronaldo made his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in 2023, many perceived it as a decision to cash in on the final years of his career, trading footballing glory for a payday worth $250 million. His move seemed to signal a shift toward the footballing periphery, away from the elite European leagues. However, Ronaldo’s presence in Riyadh quickly proved transformative, as it sparked an influx of ageing footballing superstars following his lead to the well-funded Saudi Pro League. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to make a mark on the global stage culminated in December 2024 when the country was awarded the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

This victory underscored the kingdom’s strategy of using sports, tourism, and culture to reshape its global image, with Ronaldo at the forefront of this revolution. The Portuguese legend’s influence extended beyond the pitch; when he launched his YouTube channel in August, he amassed an incredible one million subscribers in just 90 minutes and 20 million within 24 hours. As of now, he has 73.5 million subscribers, highlighting his massive global reach. Despite being on the verge of a historic milestone of 1,000 professional goals, Ronaldo has yet to secure a major Saudi or continental title with Al Nassr. His only trophy so far has been the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. While World Cup glory may remain out of reach, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to break records and extend his remarkable legacy.