Cristiano Ronaldo Renews Al Nassr Contract, Ending Transfer Speculation

Cristiano Ronaldo has put an end to transfer rumors by signing a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club announced. The agreement will keep the football superstar with the team until 2027.

Cristiano Ronaldo pictured in action for Portugal.

The announcement, made on Thursday, followed months of speculation about Ronaldo's future with the club. A video released by Al Nassr featured the 40-year-old forward reaffirming his commitment, declaring, "Al Nassr forever."

Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr in 2023 started a wave of transfers, with many well-known players in the twilight of their careers making the switch to Saudi Arabia.

Doubts about Ronaldo's future arose when he posted "This chapter is over" after Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League, failing to win any silverware.

A source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP, "Ronaldo's presence has been instrumental in the Saudi league's growth over the past two and a half years. He has paved the way for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia."

The Saudi PIF, which manages the nation's sovereign wealth fund, has oversight of several Pro League clubs, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli.

The extension news follows Brazilian star Neymar's departure from Al Hilal in January. Neymar's brief 18-month spell saw him play only seven matches, earning a reported $104 million annually.

Despite leading the league with 25 goals, Ronaldo is still in search of his first Saudi or continental title with Al Nassr. The team was recently eliminated in the Asian Champions League semi-finals.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had previously hinted at the possibility of ending his illustrious career with Al Nassr, a team favored by Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has dramatically reshaped its football scene by investing heavily in European talent, a trend that began with Ronaldo's transfer in late 2022. The nation is also preparing to host the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi football fans have enjoyed the opportunity to watch renowned players like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who together boast six Ballons d'Or, in regular league matches.

Some observers have compared the Saudi Pro League to the Chinese Super League, which previously attracted players with lucrative salaries before encountering financial challenges.

The Saudi Pro League's growth is in line with the country's wider ambitions to become a popular tourism and business hub ahead of an anticipated decline in global oil demand.

Ronaldo initially joined Al Nassr two years ago in a deal reportedly worth $250 million, a move that marked a significant turning point in his career as he ventured into Saudi Arabian football.