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Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a two‑year contract extension with Al Nassr, committing to stay at the Saudi Pro League club until June 2027, when he will be 42 years old
Contract Extension in Detail
- Length: Two-year extension, keeping Ronaldo at the club through mid-2027.
- Official announcement: Al Nassr confirmed via social media, backed by Ronaldo’s own post: “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”.
- Rumors denied: The move shuts down speculation sparked by a cryptic Instagram post (“the chapter is over”) and reported interest from other clubs, including a Club World Cup side.
Maintaining Elite Performance at 40+
Ronaldo has maintained stellar form since arriving in January 2023:
- Goals tally: Scored 93 goals in 105 appearances, or 99 in 111 depending on the source.
- Golden Boot: Led the Saudi Pro League in scoring last season with 35 goals, his second consecutive top-scorer award.
- Career goals: Total of 932–938 goals, closing in on the famous 1,000‑goal milestone.
Beyond the Pitch: Ronaldo’s Impact
- Global icon: His move has sparked increased investment in Saudi football, attracting other major talents, such as Karim Benzema .
- Highest-paid athlete: Forbes estimates his earnings at $275 million annually; other reports suggest upwards of €400 million/year, making this possibly the most lucrative athlete contract ever.
- Cultural shift: Ronaldo’s presence catalyzed a boom in the Saudi league’s global brand and appeal, supporting Vision 2030 ambitions.
Silverware and Ambitions
- Domestic titles: Since his arrival, Al Nassr has yet to win the Saudi Pro League, finishing third last season. However, they did win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.
- Club leadership: The contract reportedly includes commercial incentives, potential club equity, and access to extensive personal staff—testimony to his off-field influence .
- International goals: Fresh from helping Portugal claim the UEFA Nations League, he’s targeting his sixth World Cup appearance at age 41 in 2026.
What’s Next?
With influential veteran leadership and continued on-field brilliance, Ronaldo offers Al Nassr both performance and global profile. His extension:
- Stabilizes squad strategy as a marquee player for two more years.
- Welcomes top coaching appointments, essential after Stefano Pioli’s departure.
- Strengthens Saudi ambitions, as the Pro League continues to rise in stature and attract star players.
Final Take
Ronaldo’s decision to remain with Al Nassr until 2027 underlines his enduring commitment—to the club and to breaking even more records. As he approaches the twilight of his career, his influence extends far beyond goals, shaping a league and region determined to leave a permanent mark on world football.
