Done deal! Cristiano Ronaldo shuts down transfer rumors, signs two-year contract extension at Saudi club
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Al Nassr has announced a two-year contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo that will keep him at the Saudi Arabian club until 2027. The announcement came on Thursday after months of uncertainty about his future.
The 40-year-old star confirmed his commitment in a video released by the team where he stated: "Al Nassr forever."
Ronaldo's arrival in 2023 sparked a trend, leading many established players in the latter stages of their careers to move to Saudi Arabia.
There was speculation about Ronaldo's future when he posted "This chapter is over" after Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League without winning any trophies.
"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," said a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to AFP.
The Saudi PIF, which manages the country's sovereign wealth fund, oversees several Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli.
The news of Ronaldo's extension follows Brazilian star Neymar's departure from Al Hilal in January.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Rajasthan Mosquito Crisis Solved by Strange New Device (See How)
Mosquito Eliminator
Read More
Undo
Neymar's brief 18-month stint saw him play only seven matches while earning a reported $104 million annually.
Despite being the league's top scorer with 25 goals, Ronaldo has yet to secure any Saudi or continental titles with Al Nassr. The team recently lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had previously mentioned the possibility of ending his career with Al Nassr, a team popular among Saudi royals.
Saudi Arabia has transformed its football landscape by investing heavily in European talent, beginning with Ronaldo's transfer in late 2022. The country is also set to host the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi football enthusiasts have enjoyed watching prestigious players like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who collectively hold six Ballons d'Or, during regular league matches.
Some observers have drawn parallels between the Saudi Pro League and the Chinese Super League, which previously attracted players with high salaries before facing financial difficulties.
The Saudi Pro League's development aligns with the country's broader goals of becoming a tourism and business destination before global oil demand decreases.
Ronaldo initially joined Al Nassr two years ago in a deal reportedly worth $250 million, marking a significant shift in his career path to Saudi Arabian football.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Cristiano Ronaldo: All the clubs CR7 has played for
Cristiano Ronaldo: All the clubs CR7 has played for With Cristiano Ronaldo signing a contract extension with Al Nassr till 2027, that marks a new and mostly final chapter of his club career. Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid - here's a list of all the clubs that CR7 has played for in his iconic career. It all started out here. Ronaldo started his career with his home side Sporting CP, then called Sporting Lisbon. He played here from 2002-2003. 1. Sporting CP/Lisbon After impressing against them while playing for Sporting, Manchester United roped in Ronaldo in 2003. He played in the Premier League side till 2009. 2. Manchester United Ronaldo clearly enjoyed the best part of his career in Real Madrid, from 2009 to 2018 - winning 4 Champions League titles and 4 Ballon D'ors. 3. Real Madrid 1 year after scoring his brilliant bicycle kick against, Ronaldo made a shock move from Real Madrid to Juventus in 2018 - and played till 2021. 4. Juventus After his Juventus stint - Ronaldo made a headline return to United but his second stint ended soon in 2023. 5. Manchester United Ronaldo created a wave of footballers moving to Saudi after he penned a deal with Al Nassr - and is currently contracted with the Gulf side till 2027. 6. Al Nassr
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Can Cristiano Ronaldo defy age to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
With Portugal's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo extending his contract with Saudi club Al Nassr for another two years, fans are rejoicing at the opportunity to see their hero continue playing at the highest level. Ronaldo, who turned 40 in February this year, will now remain with the club until 2027. He is still firmly on track to reach the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals and could potentially retire as the most prolific goal scorer in football history. This contract extension has also eased concerns among fans about whether Ronaldo would still be active for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA. With this deal in place, there's now a real chance that the Portuguese skipper could feature in what may be his final World Cup next year. Ronaldo will be 41 when the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, and few players have sustained the longevity to compete in the tournament at that age. Of those who have, none have won the title at that age. Oldest players to play at the FIFA World Cup Player Age Edition Essam El-Hadary (Egypt) 45 years, 161 days Russia 2018 Faryd Mondragon (Colombia) 43 years, 3 days Brazil 2014 Roger Milla (Cameroon) 42 years, 39 days USA 1994 Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland) 41 years, 0 days Mexico 1986 Peter Shilton (England) 40 years, 292 days Italy 1990 Dino Zoff (Italy) 40 years, 133 days Spain 1982 Ali Boumnijel (Tunisia) 40 years, 71 days Germany 2006 Jim Leighton (Scotland) 39 years, 334 days France 1998 David James (England) 39 years, 330 days South Africa 2010 Angel Labruna (East Germany) 39 years, 260 days Sweden 1958 The oldest player to feature in a FIFA World Cup match was 45-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who made his long-awaited debut in 2018 against Saudi Arabia, 22 years after his international debut, at the age of 45 years and 161 days. Oldest players to win the FIFA World Cup Oldest players to win the FIFA World Cup Rank Player Age at World Cup 1 Dino Zoff 40 years 2 Nílton Santos 37 years 3 Miroslav Klose 36 years 4 Angelo Peruzzi 36 years 5 Gilmar Rinaldi 35 years However, there has been a 40-year-old World Cup winner: Italy's Dino Zoff captained his side to glory in the 1982 edition. If Ronaldo goes on to win the elusive prize at the end of it all, he will also etch his name in the history books as the oldest player to win the FIFA World Cup. Can Ronaldo maintain his level to play in the 2026 World Cup? Cristiano Ronaldo is widely known for his exceptional work ethic and professionalism. His disciplined training regimen and diet have inspired athletes across the world. Even at 40, his level of fitness remains extraordinary, and if given the chance, he is likely to enter the 2026 World Cup with the same hunger and intensity that has defined his career. In the 2024/25 season, Ronaldo has logged an impressive 3,905 minutes of football across club and international fixtures. He played 3,547 minutes for Al Nassr and another 358 minutes for Portugal during the UEFA Nations League finals, which his team went on to win. There's no doubt about his dedication, and ultimately, only Ronaldo can decide whether he's willing to push himself for another year to chase World Cup glory.
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
Cristiano Ronaldo Signs New Contract With Al Nassr Until 2027
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, committing his future to the team until June 2027. The Portuguese legend's decision marks another milestone in his illustrious career and signals his intention to continue playing competitive football well into his 40s. Ronaldo, who initially joined Al Nassr in December 2022, has been a transformative figure in Saudi football. In less than three seasons, he has scored an incredible number of goals, helped Al Nassr become a major global name, and significantly raised the visibility of the Saudi Pro League. His presence has also contributed to the arrival of other international stars in the league. Since his arrival at Al Nassr, Ronaldo has: Scored 99 goals in 111 appearances across competitions Won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot in the 2023–24 season Taken Al Nassr to multiple domestic and continental finals Played a major role in boosting global interest and sponsorship in Saudi football At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to display elite fitness and commitment. The contract extension means he will be with Al Nassr at least until he is 42, pushing the limits of how long a top-level outfield player can remain competitive. Public Announcement In a public announcement, Al Nassr stated: 'Al Nassr Club Company officially signed a contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo until 2027. He remains a vital part of our project moving forward.' A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. __ — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 What's Next For Ronaldo? Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to extend his stay at Al Nassr until 2027 is more than just a football contract; it's a statement of intent. It shows his belief in the club's vision, his commitment to pushing boundaries, and his refusal to slow down. As he nears 1,000 career goals and eyes more titles, fans worldwide can still witness the legend write new chapters in a career that already belongs to football history.
