In a stunning development that has captivated the football world, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a two-year contract extension with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, ensuring his stay at the club until 2027. The announcement came on June 26, 2025, through a post on X by the Riyadh-based club stating, “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.” Just minutes before the official confirmation, Al Nassr teased fans with a video featuring the 40-year-old superstar walking along a beachfront and declaring, “Al Nassr forever.”
Ronaldo’s journey with Al Nassr began in December 2022 when he joined the Saudi Pro League club after an acrimonious exit from Manchester United. His initial move was reportedly worth a staggering $250 million, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in football history. Since then, Ronaldo has been nothing short of prolific, scoring 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al Nassr and netting 35 goals in 41 matches last season alone. This remarkable tally earned him the Saudi Pro League’s golden boot award for the second consecutive season.
Despite his individual success, the club has yet to secure a domestic league title during Ronaldo’s tenure. Al Nassr finished third in the 2024-25 season, trailing behind rivals Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, and missed out on the AFC Champions League Elite qualification. They also fell short in the Asian Champions League semifinals in May 2025. The club’s lack of silverware has been a point of frustration for Ronaldo, who is eager to add the Saudi Pro League championship to his extensive collection of titles won across Europe.
Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia has coincided with a significant influx of high-profile players to the league, signaling the kingdom’s ambition to elevate its football status ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. A source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund controlling several Saudi clubs including Al Nassr, highlighted Ronaldo’s pivotal role in this transformation. “Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source told AFP.
However, the road has not been without its twists. In May 2025, following another trophyless campaign, Ronaldo posted a cryptic message on social media stating, “This chapter is over,” which sparked widespread speculation about his future. FIFA President Gianni Infantino later fueled rumors by suggesting Ronaldo might join a team participating in the Club World Cup in the United States. Despite receiving offers from such clubs, Ronaldo decisively turned them down, reaffirming his commitment to Al Nassr.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo declared in his contract announcement on X, accompanied by a photo of his signing. This statement signals both a fresh start and an unyielding determination to achieve success with the Saudi club.
Adding to the club’s recent challenges, Al Nassr parted ways with head coach Stefano Pioli just days before the contract announcement. Pioli, who took charge in September 2024, was the fourth coach to leave since Ronaldo’s arrival, following Rudi Garcia, Dinko Jelicic, and Luís Castro. Under Pioli’s leadership, Al Nassr secured a third-place league finish but failed to meet the lofty expectations that come with Ronaldo’s presence.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo is defying the typical career trajectory of footballers. Having scored 938 goals for club and country, he is closing in on the monumental milestone of 1,000 senior career goals. His recent triumph with Portugal in the UEFA Nations League further underscores his enduring quality on the international stage. Looking ahead, Ronaldo is expected to target his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance next summer, a testament to his longevity and elite performance levels.
Ronaldo’s contract extension with Al Nassr not only secures his future in Saudi Arabia but also marks a clear end to any lingering speculation about a return to European football. His decision reflects a commitment to the Saudi Pro League’s burgeoning project, which, despite comparisons to the Chinese Super League’s past spending spree, appears to be backed by a long-term vision tied to the kingdom’s broader economic and cultural ambitions.
The Saudi Pro League has witnessed a remarkable transformation since Ronaldo’s arrival, attracting stars like Karim Benzema and previously Neymar, whose injury-plagued stint ended in January 2025. Ronaldo’s sustained excellence and star power have been instrumental in raising the league’s profile and competitiveness, making it a fascinating chapter in the global football narrative.
As Ronaldo embarks on this new phase with Al Nassr, the football world watches keenly. Can he finally lead the club to the elusive Saudi Pro League title? Will his influence continue to attract world-class talent to the kingdom? And how will the team evolve under new management? These questions set the stage for an intriguing 2025-26 season and beyond.
For now, Ronaldo’s legacy in Saudi Arabia is firmly cemented, and his pursuit of further glory continues with undiminished passion and ambition.
