Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr to extend his contract by another year until June 2026, an official from the club confirmed on Monday.
The deal, however, has yet to be officially signed, with an announcement expected in the coming days. Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday last week, had initially signed with Al Nassr in January 2023 on a contract set to expire in June 2025.
Since his arrival in Riyadh, he has been a transformative figure for the club and the Saudi Pro League, scoring an impressive 82 goals in 90 appearances.
Commitment to Al Nassr
In August 2023, Ronaldo expressed his intent to finish his illustrious career at Al Nassr, stating, “But it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr, in the team that makes me happy… and where I feel good.”
The latest extension reaffirms his dedication to the club, which has become central to his professional journey in recent years.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner initially raised eyebrows when he made the switch to Al Nassr in a deal reportedly worth $250 million.
While some critics viewed it as an end-of-career move, Ronaldo has proven otherwise by continuing to deliver top-class performances and attracting global attention to the Saudi Pro League.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Ronaldo’s influence has extended far beyond his contributions on the field. His move to Saudi Arabia has sparked a wave of high-profile signings in the league, with aging superstars following his lead in joining the big-spending clubs of the kingdom.
His presence has significantly boosted the league’s global recognition and appeal, drawing in millions of fans and elevating the Saudi Pro League’s competitive standing.
The Portuguese forward’s impact was further demonstrated when he launched his YouTube channel in August 2023, attracting one million subscribers within 90 minutes and a staggering 20 million in just 24 hours. His current subscriber count stands at 73.5 million, a testament to his enduring global popularity.
Chasing New Records
Though Ronaldo has won numerous trophies throughout his career, including multiple Champions League titles and domestic league championships with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, he is still chasing further achievements with Al Nassr.
While he secured the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, he has yet to claim a Saudi Pro League or continental title with the club.
As he continues his remarkable scoring spree, Ronaldo is also approaching another milestone—his quest to surpass 1,000 professional goals in official matches. The extension of his contract gives him additional time to chase this historic feat.
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Revolution
Ronaldo’s continued presence in the Saudi Pro League aligns with the kingdom’s broader ambitions in global sports.
His signing was a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s strategy of leveraging sports to enhance its international profile, culminating in the country’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
With the official announcement of Ronaldo’s contract extension imminent, Al Nassr fans and football enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of the Portuguese star’s continued presence in Riyadh, as he looks to further cement his legacy in the sport.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members