Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most impactful soccer players in the world, and his influence on the sport cannot be overemphasized. Since moving to the Middle East to play for Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League has gained a new kind of power to bring more attention to the league, getting the chance to sign some of the world’s best players in the process.
Beyond the off-field impact, Cristiano Ronaldo has been a key player for Al Nassr, and he currently tops the goalscoring chart in a league that has Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Firmino. The Portuguese star has also signaled his intent to prolong his stay with Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo reportedly seeks contract extension
At 38, Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently didn’t make Ronaldo Nazario’s list of all-time greats, remains one of the most competitive players in the world. He continues to perform at the highest level, leading Al-Nassr to some early-season success and forming a formidable partnership with Sadio Mane and his teammate from the Portugal national team, Ottavio.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored ten league goals this season and assisted six times, which means he has been involved in 16 of Al-Nassr’s 26 league goals, which is a huge contribution to the team. With consistent performances like this, Ronaldo has declared his intent to remain in the Middle East until at least 2027.
Journalist Ali Al-Harbi said via a post on Apex that the former Manchester United forward had expressed his interest to the management of the club to stay at the club until 2027. In a Twitter post, the soccer journalist said, “Cristiano Ronaldo informed the management of the Saudi club before travelling to the Portuguese national team camp that he wants to renew his contract until the beginning of 2027. Cristiano wants to play in the 2026 World Cup while he is a player for Al-Nassr, and then he will announce his retirement from football.”
If these reports are true, it means Ronaldo plans to continue playing top-flight football until his early 40s, which is an exceptional feat for a player who started his career so early.
Cristiano Ronaldo inks staggering $75 million annual deal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s choice to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after Manchester United terminated his contract shocked the soccer community. The move also signalled the end of his eternal rivalry with Lionel Messi, who joined the MLS six months later. However, six months down the line, several other stars, including Neymar, Benzema, Kante, Firmino, Sadio Mane, and many more, have joined the Portuguese superstar in the Saudi Arabian league.
When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, he became the highest-paid footballer in the world as he signed a bumper contract worth $75 million per year. The deal excludes sporting and commercial bonuses. If he stays at the club until 2027, those figures may rise, as Al-Nassr would want to tempt him further by offering him more money.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States? Or would he go into retirement? Make sure to tell us in the comments.
