Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay with Al Nassr FC, signing a new two-year contract that will keep him at the Saudi Pro League club until 2027, well beyond his 42nd birthday. The announcement was made on Thursday via the club’s official social media platforms, solidifying Ronaldo’s role as the face of Saudi football’s global ambitions.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” the club posted on X (formerly Twitter), minutes after teasing fans with a short video featuring Ronaldo walking along a beachfront, saying, “Al Nassr forever.”
Ronaldo’s Impact in Saudi Football
The Portuguese superstar first joined Al Nassr in late 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United. Since then, he has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions, despite the club failing to secure a major trophy during his tenure. Still, Ronaldo has been a transformative figure, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and influencing the influx of international talent.
Although Al Nassr finished third in the league last season and missed out on silverware once again, Ronaldo ended the season as the Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, underlining his enduring quality on the field.
A Strategic Move for Saudi Arabia’s Football Future
A source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a key financial backer of Saudi football, emphasized Ronaldo’s role in reshaping the Saudi sports landscape:
“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league over the past two and a half years. He has opened the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source told AFP.
The PIF, which owns Al Nassr along with other major clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli, has invested heavily in turning Saudi Arabia into a global sports and tourism hub. Ronaldo’s extended stay is a strategic move ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Payday
Initially, critics viewed Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia as a late-career payday, with his reported $250 million deal being one of the largest in sports history. However, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner has hinted that he may finish his career at Al Nassr. Despite not winning a trophy yet, Ronaldo’s influence has been monumental—both on and off the pitch.
His presence has also helped attract other stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar, although the latter struggled with injuries during his brief stint with Al Hilal. As Saudi Arabia positions itself for a football-led transformation, Ronaldo continues to be the symbol of its bold sporting ambitions.
