Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr to extend his contract by another year, keeping him at the club until June 2026, according to an official from the Saudi Pro League side.
The official confirmed that while the renewable extension has been agreed upon, the contract has not yet been signed, and an official announcement is expected in the coming days.
Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday last week, joined Al Nassr in January 2023 after a glittering career with European giants Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Since his arrival in Riyadh, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in sensational form, scoring 82 goals in 90 matches.
His current contract was set to expire in June 2025, but the new deal will see him continue his journey with Al Nassr for at least another year.
In August 2023, Ronaldo hinted at his long-term commitment to the club, stating that he plans to end his professional career with Al Nassr.
“It may be soon or in two or three years,” he said, adding, “But it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr, in the team that makes me happy… and where I feel good.”
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr two years ago was initially seen as a surprising shift to a less prominent league, but it came with a staggering deal reportedly worth $250 million.
While some viewed it as a move toward football obscurity, Ronaldo’s influence has been transformative. His arrival sparked a wave of high-profile signings by other aging superstars, elevating the profile of the Saudi Pro League and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of using sports, tourism, and culture to revamp its global image.
This strategy reached a pinnacle in December 2023 when Saudi Arabia was awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s global appeal remains unmatched. When he launched his YouTube channel in August 2023, he gained 1 million subscribers in just 90 minutes and 20 million within 24 hours.
His channel now boasts an impressive 73.5 million subscribers, underscoring his status as one of the most influential athletes in the world.
On the field, Ronaldo continues to defy age, maintaining his prodigious form as he closes in on the remarkable milestone of 1,000 professional goals in official matches.
His decision to extend his stay at Al Nassr reflects his commitment to the club and his desire to remain competitive at the highest level, even as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career.
As the football world awaits the official announcement of Ronaldo’s contract extension, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey is far from over, and his impact on the game—both on and off the pitch—continues to resonate globally.
