Cristiano Ronaldo has put an end to speculation about his professional future by securing a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian football club. By agreeing to extend his time with the team, Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or laureate, is now poised to continue playing until at least the age of 42, further enhancing his illustrious career.
In a social media update, Ronaldo expressed his commitment and enthusiasm for the upcoming phase by stating, “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” alongside an image of himself holding a shirt with the words “Ronaldo 2027.” This public confirmation lays to rest the uncertainties raised when his previous contract was nearing its expiration, and there were declarations that his time with Al Nassr had concluded.
Ronaldo’s tenure with Al Nassr began towards the close of 2022, marking one of the sport’s most unexpected transfers, post his departure from Manchester United. The initial contract was reportedly valued at about $200 million annually, a landmark move that initiated a trend where other top athletes like Neymar and Karim Benzema subsequently transitioned from European clubs to Saudi Arabian teams.
Despite competing in a relatively less demanding league, Ronaldo intends to achieve further milestones, bolstered by his ongoing contributions to Portugal’s national team. His accomplishments include winning 28 major league trophies, alongside the recent UEFA Nations League title, and he holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with a staggering 141 goals. However, the coveted FIFA World Cup remains elusive and Ronaldo might have another opportunity to pursue this honor in next year’s global tournament.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has significantly elevated the visibility of the country’s soccer scene, although his trophy haul remains modest with just the Arab Club Champions Cup in his collection. As of now, the superstar has not claimed victory in the Saudi Pro League, despite three attempts.
The club has embraced his contract extension, celebrating it through a video that features Ronaldo on a beach, accompanied by the phrase “The Story continues..” and symbols of a goat and a golden heart. The use of these symbols reiterates Ronaldo’s stature as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, often referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
Ronaldo’s longtime rivalry with fellow soccer icon Lionel Messi, which once captivated global audiences during their tenure with rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona, has waned as both players now find themselves in leagues with lower profiles. In 2023, Messi signed with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, another shift indicative of the transitioning careers of these legendary athletes.