Cristiano Ronaldo Signs Historic Contract Extension with Al-Nassr Until 2027
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 26, 2025 — Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his contract with Al-Nassr, committing to the Saudi Pro League club until 2027, a move that will keep the 40-year-old star playing past his 42nd birthday, the club announced Thursday.
A New Chapter for the Football Icon
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after a contentious departure from Manchester United, signed a two-year extension that solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the club’s ambitions. “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo posted on X, accompanied by a photo with club president Ibrahim Al-Mehaisen. The deal ends months of speculation about his future, particularly after FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested Ronaldo might join a Club World Cup team, a notion Ronaldo dismissed.
Since arriving in Riyadh, Ronaldo has been prolific, scoring 99 goals in 111 appearances across all competitions, including 35 goals in 41 matches last season, earning him the Saudi Pro League’s golden boot for the second consecutive year. Despite his individual brilliance, Al-Nassr has yet to secure a major domestic or continental trophy during his tenure, with their sole success being the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Lucrative Deal with Unprecedented Perks
The contract, valued at over €200 million annually, cements Ronaldo’s status as the world’s highest-paid footballer. It includes a staggering €15.25 million monthly salary, €3.8 million weekly, and €550,000 daily, alongside €60 million for image rights. Additionally, Ronaldo will receive a 5% ownership stake in Al-Nassr, granting him significant influence over transfer decisions and a potential pathway to club ownership post-retirement. A Public Investment Fund (PIF) source noted, “Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league,” highlighting his role in attracting elite talent.
Why Stay with Al-Nassr?
Ronaldo’s decision to stay comes despite Al-Nassr’s third-place finish in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. His commitment reflects confidence in the club’s project, bolstered by PIF guarantees for team reinforcements in the winter transfer market. Ronaldo, who has expressed happiness in Saudi Arabia, aims to lead Al-Nassr to major titles and position himself for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad. “I’m here to make history,” he said after a recent Nations League win, dispelling exit rumors.
A Polarizing Legacy
Ronaldo’s impact extends beyond the pitch, with his presence driving the Saudi league’s global profile. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. A cryptic post after a season-ending loss to Al-Fateh—“This chapter is over”—sparked speculation of an exit, later clarified as a commitment to Al-Nassr. Fans on X celebrated the renewal, with @AlNassrFC’s post garnering thousands of likes, though some critics argue his focus on personal records overshadows team success.
What This Means
Ronaldo’s extension signals his intent to defy age, aiming for a potential 1,000 career goals and a World Cup appearance at 41. For Al-Nassr, it’s a bet on his star power to elevate the club’s competitiveness. The deal, signed amid a coaching transition after Stefano Pioli’s exit, positions Ronaldo as a central figure in Saudi football’s evolution. As the 2026 World Cup looms, his next moves—on and off the field—will remain under intense global scrutiny.
