Latest news with #CRISTIANORonaldo
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Ronaldo prefers rest to playing in Club World Cup
CRISTIANO Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday. Speculation over the 40-year-old's plans intensified last month when Fifa President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify. "I had some offers to play in the World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year," Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X. "I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything," he added. "And of course, to be in this club, which I love". Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties. The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al-Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side. "My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that" Ronaldo added. "This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia". Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions. Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932. - Reuters
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Cristiano Ronaldo set to sign new two-year contract at Al Nassr
CRISTIANO Ronaldo is close to agreeing a new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, the PA news agency understands. The 40-year-old Portugal captain's deal was due to expire at the end of June. Following Al Nassr's final league game of the season last month, Ronaldo posted on social media 'the chapter is over', fuelling speculation that he was to leave the Riyadh club. But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now set to stay in Saudi Arabia. The forward joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr and netted 35 last season to win the SPL's Golden Boot award for top scorer. Al Nassr are currently without a manager after parting company with Stefano Pioli on Wednesday. Former AC Milan and Inter boss Pioli, who was appointed in September, led Al Nassr to a third-placed finish in the SPL last season, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ronaldo tops Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes for third year in a row
CRISTIANO Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his career. Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's estimated total earnings are around US$275 million. The Portuguese forward increased his income by US$15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media followers: 939 million in total as of May. Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who in March became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers, jumped to second place in the rankings with US$156 million. Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with US$135 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury's income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, reached fourth with US$137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension. Meanwhile, Argentine Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with US$135 million — the same as last year — having moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, as well as continuing to receive high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, nearing the end of his illustrious career, came sixth with US$133.8 million. MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto came in at a remarkable seventh place, earning US$114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican signed a US$765 million, 15-year contract, the largest in baseball history. French striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad, is eighth with earnings of US$104 million. Japanese Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with US$102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were boosted significantly by their World Series victory last year. NBA Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant rounds off the top 10 with US$101.4 million. - Reuters
