The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday.
Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with Al Nassr until 2027, the Saudi Pro League giants confirmed on Thursday, putting an end to widespread speculation about his future.The 40-year-old superstar has extended his contract for two additional years, reinforcing his position as a global icon in Saudi Arabian football.
In a video teaser ahead of the announcement, Ronaldo walked along a scenic beachfront and stated simply, “Al Nassr forever,” underlining both his commitment to the club and his growing influence in the region. The official confirmation followed shortly thereafter via the club’s X (formerly Twitter) platform: “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.”
Ronaldo initially joined Al Nassr in late 2022, heralding a wave of high-profile international signings to the Saudi Pro League. Attracted not only by lucrative contracts but also by the country’s broader ambitions in sports and tourism, several former European stars, including his international rival Karim Benzema, have followed suit to play in Saudi Arabia.
Despite speculation about his departure this season—heightened after Ronaldo cryptically posted “This chapter is over” once the league concluded—Al Nassr acted swiftly to retain him. The club finished third in the 2024–25 domestic campaign and failed to secure any trophies. However, Ronaldo finished as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals, proving his enduring quality at the highest level.
Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 pic.twitter.com/uVOzvZW4u7
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025
Ronaldo’s impact goes beyond goals and match results. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls several Saudi clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli, cited his arrival as transformative. A spokesman said,
“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.”
That’s no small claim. Since his arrival, the entry of such sporting heavyweights has placed the Saudi Pro League among the most-watched and talked-about leagues globally. The federation’s strategy is clear: position Saudi Arabia as an emerging centre for world-class football—a plan that intensifies as they prepare to host the 2034 World Cup.
Yet, this model has drawn comparisons to the earlier Chinese Super League approach, where clubs splashed lavish salaries on aging European stars. The Chinese league’s ambitions fizzled as investment dried up. Saudi Arabia, however, appears to be more methodical. The Pro League’s spending remains strategic, backed by the PIF’s strong financial base and aligned with long-term economic goals—especially as global energy demand is projected to decline.
While Al Nassr’s decision to re-sign Ronaldo is primarily tactical, it’s also a statement of intent. The club’s leadership believes that keeping him central to the squad enhances their visibility, branding, and appeal to both fans and sponsors. His status brings merchandising, media attention, and perhaps most importantly, inspires younger Saudi talents aiming for international success.
On the pitch, Ronaldo’s record speaks for itself. He remains a prolific scorer, reliable leader, and generational talent. Though Al Nassr failed to clinch domestic silverware this season and were knocked out of the Asian Champions League semi-finals, his goals and influence were pivotal in keeping them competitive.
Details of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract at Al Nassr…
• 178m-a-year
• £3.4m-a-week
• 15% ownership of Al-Nassr (estimated to be worth £33m)
• £24.5m signing bonus – increasing to £38m if he activates the second year of his contract
• £80,000 bonus per goal… pic.twitter.com/w65E2x3c3P— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 26, 2025
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia also brings benefits for young local players. Sharing training ground time, locker facilities, and matchday experience with a legend of his calibre offers invaluable lessons. It also raises the expectations and professionalism across the league—requiring teammates, competitors, and clubs to step up their standard.
Off the field, the league has attracted more global media coverage, sponsorship deals, and even tourism. Fans from around the world are tuning in, curious to see how a Ronaldo-led Al Nassr performs against regional rivals and visitors.
For Ronaldo himself, the extension confirms a shift in his career priorities. At this stage, football legend, global ambassador, and mentor roles blend. He’s no longer just chasing personal records; he’s part of a larger movement to elevate the sport in a rapidly modernizing nation.
With two years still to run, anticipation grows around how Al Nassr will build around Ronaldo and capitalize on his presence. Will they finally break through for domestic silverware? Can they claim continental glory? Will more global stars be drawn in? And how much further can Ronaldo drive ambition in a league on the rise?
What’s certain is that Al Nassr’s success this summer, and Ronaldo’s continued impact, will continue to shape both club and country in the years ahead.
READ NEXT:
