Veteran striker vows to ‘make history’ with Saudi club
RIYADH: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his contract with Al Nassr until 2027, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) club confirmed on Thursday. The new deal will keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo said in a post on social media platform X, celebrating the extension.
Ronaldo initially joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year deal after parting ways with Manchester United. Since his arrival, he has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions for the Saudi side.
His signing marked a turning point in the global football landscape, drawing international attention to the Saudi league and prompting several other European stars—including former teammate Karim Benzema—to follow suit.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo has topped the list of highest-paid athletes globally for the past three years, with estimated annual earnings of $275 million at age 40.
Despite his age, the forward has maintained top form. He recently helped Portugal clinch the UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain in the final, and remains on track to hit the 1,000-goal milestone—with 794 goals in club football and 138 for the national team, bringing his career total to 932 goals.
While Ronaldo has helped Al Nassr lift the Arab Club Champions Cup, the SPL title has eluded him so far. The team finished second in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, before slipping to third last season.
With this new contract, Ronaldo is set to continue leading Al Nassr’s ambitions both domestically and in continental competitions.
