Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al-Nassr Contract

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, has prolonged his association with Al-Nassr until 2027, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday. He had previously concluded the prior season as the Saudi Pro League’s leading scorer with 25 goals.

Ronaldo initially joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after his departure from Manchester United, becoming a free agent. He boasts an impressive record of 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Despite Ronaldo’s contributions, the Riyadh-based team concluded the season in third place with 70 points. Al-Ittihad clinched the championship with 83 points, while Al-Hilal secured the second position with 75 points after a 34-match season.

Following the contract extension, Ronaldo shared his sentiments on social media, heralding the beginning of a new chapter on X.

Ronaldo’s Statement:

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo expressed in his post.

Ronaldo’s initial two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr in 2022 made him the world’s highest-paid athlete. Forbes has consistently ranked him at the top of this list for the past three years.

At 40 years of age, Ronaldo’s estimated total earnings approximate $275 million.

He recently captained Portugal to another UEFA Nations League title victory this month, defeating Spain in the final.

Ronaldo is also pursuing the milestone of 1000 career goals, having already scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal, bringing his current total to 932.

His move to Saudi Arabia has undeniably paved the way for numerous prominent European-based players to transition to the SPL, a trend that continues to grow. Noteworthy players like Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané have similarly embraced the opportunity.

While Ronaldo has secured the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr, the SPL title remains elusive, with the team finishing as runners-up in both 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.