Cristiano Ronaldo has committed his immediate footballing future to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, signing a two-year contract extension that will see him continue to compete professionally until at least the age of 42.
The Portuguese forward, widely regarded as one of the most decorated players in football history, revealed the news on Thursday, dispelling recent uncertainty surrounding his career.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,”
Ronaldo shared with his millions of followers in a social media post.
This fresh agreement reaffirms Ronaldo’s intention to extend his already illustrious career, which has been filled with unprecedented achievements at club and international level.
Ronaldo’s initial move to Saudi Arabia at the close of 2022 sent shockwaves through the footballing world. After parting ways with English giants Manchester United, he secured a contract with Al-Nassr that reports estimated to be worth an astonishing $200 million per year. The deal was symbolic of the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive push to attract global football stars, a campaign that has since seen high-profile names like Neymar and Karim Benzema follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps.
Yet, despite the financial incentives, speculation about Ronaldo’s long-term plans surfaced after comments he made at the conclusion of the recent Saudi football season. The 40-year-old forward had fuelled doubts about his future when he declared the
“chapter is over.”
However, Thursday’s announcement has put those rumours to rest. In a video released alongside the confirmation, Ronaldo simply declared:
“Al-Nassr forever.”
The contract extension underscores the former Real Madrid icon’s desire to push the boundaries of sporting longevity, even as he approaches an age when most players have long since retired. Known for his rigorous fitness regime and relentless competitive drive, Ronaldo appears determined to add more silverware to his collection.
While his tenure in Saudi Arabia has brought fewer accolades than he might be accustomed to, the striker has still managed to leave his mark. His most significant triumph thus far with Al-Nassr came in 2023 when the team secured the Arab Club Champions Cup. However, clinching the Saudi Pro League title has remained elusive, despite three seasons of effort with Ronaldo leading the attack.
Despite those challenges, Al-Nassr proudly celebrated his renewed commitment to the club. A promotional video released by the club depicted Ronaldo strolling along a sun-kissed beach, accompanied by the caption:
“The story continues…”
The post featured a goat emoji and a gold heart, subtle nods to the often-debated title of “Greatest of All Time” or “GOAT” — a moniker many believe Ronaldo rightfully deserves.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has amassed a staggering 28 major trophies, representing both his clubs and the Portuguese national team. Notably, he holds the record for the most goals in UEFA Champions League history, having found the back of the net 141 times in Europe’s premier club competition.
Internationally, Ronaldo has also continued to shine. He recently added to his impressive list of achievements by helping Portugal claim the UEFA Nations League title, and it remains highly probable that he will don his national colours at the upcoming World Cup next year.
Ronaldo’s long-standing rivalry with Argentine legend Lionel Messi, which captivated global audiences for over a decade, has evolved with time. Their peak battles came when Ronaldo represented Real Madrid and Messi starred for Barcelona, with El Clásico encounters often deciding titles and defining seasons.
In recent years, both players have transitioned to leagues beyond Europe’s traditional powerhouses. Messi’s move to Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami in 2023 symbolised this shift, while Ronaldo’s Saudi venture continues to chart new territory for ageing superstars.
