Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo and five-time Ballon d’Or winner has committed his future to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr by signing a new two-year contract.
The Riyadh-based side confirmed the extension on Thursday, which will keep the 40-year-old superstar at the club until 2027.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo shared on his official social media page, conveying his excitement for the journey ahead with his club.
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Chasing Domestic Glory
Al Nassr, which is part-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is intensely focused on securing their first Pro League title since the 2018/19 season.
Despite a glittering career that includes league trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo is yet to lift the Saudi championship since joining Al Nassr in January 2023.
Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabian football has been immediate and significant. In 2023, he spearheaded Al Nassr to their maiden Arab Club Champions Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and netting both goals in a dramatic 2-1 final victory over fierce rivals Al Hilal.
Nevertheless, league success has proven more elusive. In the recently concluded 2024/25 campaign, Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League, trailing champions Al Hilal and second-placed Al Ittihad. This result did, however, secure them a spot in the upcoming AFC Champions League.
Squashing Speculation and a New Managerial Era
Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future had intensified earlier this year, fueled by comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the star potentially featuring in the revamped Club World Cup in the United States.
There were even rumors linking him with a surprising loan move to PIF-owned rivals Al Hilal. However, Al Nassr swiftly put an end to such talk by securing their talisman for two more years.
The club is now embarking on a new chapter on the pitch following the recent dismissal of manager Stefano Pioli. Pioli, who took over from Ronaldo’s compatriot Luis Castro in September 2024, paid the price for the team’s inconsistent domestic form. Castro had guided the team to the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, but the league title has remained the ultimate ambition.
Ronaldo’s illustrious career began in 2002 at Sporting CP, where his exceptional talent quickly caught the eye of Manchester United’s legendary manager Alex Ferguson. Since then, the forward has maintained an extraordinary goal-scoring record across Europe and now the Middle East.
As Al Nassr rebuilds under new management, Ronaldo’s leadership, unparalleled experience, and lethal finishing will be pivotal to their ambitions. Recent posts from Al Nassr’s official X account celebrated the contract extension, hailing Ronaldo as “the heart of the team” and urging fans to rally behind their pursuit of the Pro League crown.
With the AFC Champions League also on the horizon, where the bar has been set high by Al Ahli’s victory over Kawasaki Frontale in May 2025, Al Nassr are clearly banking on their star man to deliver continental glory.