
Cristiano Ronaldo signs extension with Saudi soccer club Al-Nassr
June 26 (UPI) -- Portuguese soccer sensation Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League soccer club Al-Nassr, he announced Thursday.
The move came about a month after Ronaldo delivered a cryptic message on social media, writing "this chapter is over" on his personal platforms after the club failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League. His contract was set to expire at the end of this month.
"A new chapter begins," Ronaldo wrote on his social media platforms. "Let's make history together."
Ronaldo, 40, first joined the club in 2022 on a 2 1/2-year deal that paid him at least $75 million annually. He scored 99 goals over 111 appearances for the Riyadh-based club.
He was linked to other clubs in Morocco and Brazil earlier this year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is closing in on 1,000 career goals for club and country, totaling 932 so far in his decorated tenure. Ronaldo helped lead Al-Nassr to the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, but the club finished as runner-up in the Saudi Pro League in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Al-Nassr placed third in 2024-25.
The Saudi club, which parted ways with coach Stefano Pioli on Wednesday, will battle Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a Saudi Super Cup semifinal Aug. 19 at Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong.
They will face Jeddah in a King Cup of Champions round of 32 match Sept. 21 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi Mohamed Salah's favourite holiday destination revealed
After a long season of goals, trophies, and post-match interviews, even football's biggest names need a break. So, where do global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Mohamed Salah go to relax and recharge? A new study has revealed the answers—and there's one clear winner. Advertisement According to research by Boat Charter, Dubai has become the top holiday spot for footballers. With over 2,300 five-star resorts, warm waters, and endless luxury, the Gulf city is a true footballer's paradise. From rooftop views to yacht life, it's got more flair than a Bruno Fernandes penalty. The report analyzed factors like weather, sea temperature, and local attractions to rank the favorite destinations. Dubai edged past popular cities like Barcelona and Mykonos — both also popular with players like Bruno Fernandes and Mo Salah. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford have also been spotted enjoying the Dubai sun. Advertisement Most famous holiday destinations among star footballers Lionel Messi, true to his love for sun and sea, is a regular visitor to Ibiza. He's not alone — Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland have been seen partying or relaxing there too. The Balearic island offers both peace and nightlife, a rare combo that even the busiest playmakers appreciate. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, often chooses Marbella in Spain. The Al-Nassr forward has spent several off-seasons there, making the most of the region's private villas and sunny coastline. And if you thought Salah was just about goals and sprints, think again — he's been spotted holidaying in Mykonos, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli. Advertisement And for those craving a slice of America, New York remains a go-to. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe had once taken time off there, catching NBA games and soaking in the city's endless energy.


UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
Pochettino blasts 'embarrassing' refs after USA-Mexico Gold Cup finale
United States Men's National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino led the Americans to a runner-up finish at the 2025 Gold Cup. Photo by Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE July 7 (UPI) -- Coach Mauricio Pochettino gave credit to Mexico and said he wasn't "going to cry," but took aim at referees for what he called an "embarrassing" performance during the Americans' loss in the Gold Cup finale in Houston. The United States Men's National Team held a 1-0 lead through the majority of the first half, but surrendered two unanswered goals in the setback Sunday at NRG Stadium. Mexico held a 16-6 advantage in shots, including 8-3 edge in shots on target, en route to its second-consecutive Gold Cup crown. "It's tough to tell the truth," Pochettino told reporters. "We need to tell the truth. The truth is that we lost. Yes, we lost. We need to be self-critical, of course. But the reality is there. Everyone can see." The Americans were whistled for a dozen fouls, compared to 11 for Mexico. Winger Sebastian Berhalter assisted center back Chris Richards for their lone goal. Striker Raul Jimenez and center midfielder Edson Alvaraz scored for the Mexicans, who held a 60% to 40% advantage in possession. The Americans, who again played without several of their traditional lineup stars, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson, used the same starting lineup as they did for the quarterfinals and semifinals. Richards struck for first blood just 3:30 into the rivalry match. That score came when Berhalter lifted a free kick from about 40 yards out, finding Richards for a header off the crossbar. Mexico threatened before Jimenez ripped in an equalizer in the 27th minute. The Mexican striker received a feed inside the box to spark that sequence. He used his first touch to blast a left-footed striker into the upper left corner of the net, beating American goalie Matt Freese for an equalizer. Jimenez celebrated that score by pulling out a Diogo Jota jersey, a tribute honoring the late Liverpool star. Freese and the American defense did not allow another Mexico goal for the remainder of the first half. The Americans also failed to convert several close chances in first half stoppage time. They threatened again when right back Max Arfsten carried the ball into the Mexico box in the 66th minute, leading to one of the most controversial sequences of the game. Arfsten first dribbled around Roberto Alvarado before right back Jorge Sanchez poked the ball away. Sanchez then put his left hand on top of the ball as he fell down while in the box, but referees did not whistle him for a handball, which would have given the Americans a penalty kick. Instead, Sanchez played the ball out of danger. The Mexicans scored the go-ahead goal about seven minutes later, with Alvarez heading in a deflected free kick in the 77th minute. Referees initially ruled that the score was off-side, but later overturned the call and allowed the goal. Pochettino responded by voicing his displeasure during a heated conversation with a nearby official, but the damage was done. The Mexico defense held up down the stretch to deny another equalizer and secure their title. "I'm not going to cry," Pochettino said, when asked about the handball. "I wanted to tell the truth, and the truth was that if that [handball] happened in the opposite [box] for sure it's penalty. "[Sanchez] was the player with the knee on the floor. He pushed the hand over the ball. It's not that the hand was on the floor and the ball touched. OK, well the excuses now, but you know that was a penalty and maybe 2-1 for us and maybe we now would be celebrating the trophy. "I think that it is clear and it's not about to cry, it's not about to complain. For me, it was embarrassing to see that situation and it's a shame." The Americans will play South Korea in a friendly Sept. 6 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Chicago Sky Player on Temporary Leave Posts Message After Sunday's Heartbreak
Chicago Sky Player on Temporary Leave Posts Message After Sunday's Heartbreak originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky suffered another loss on Sunday, this time falling to the league-best Minnesota Lynx, 80-75. Advertisement It was a commendable effort from the Sky, who were missing the services of starting center Kamilla Cardoso. The 24-year-old has been away from the team representing Brazil in the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup, which concluded on Sunday. Unfortunately for Cardoso, Brazil was unable to hold off a powerhouse United States side, which secured a 92-84 win to bag the AmeriCup title. Cardoso turned in another strong performance for Brazil, registering 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and one block in just 18 minutes of action. After the heartbreaking loss, Cardoso took to social media to share a powerful message. Advertisement "No one knows about our daily effort, what is done without an audience, nor all the times we were pushed to the limit. That's why our faith must be greater than anything else," the statement read, as translated from Portuguese via an AI tool. Cardoso's message is one of hope and perseverance following Brazil's second-place finish in the tournament. It is worth noting that Cardoso was named in the AmeriCup All-Star Five alongside Brazil teammate and Indiana Fever veteran Damiris Dantas. Chicago Sky forward Kamilla Cardoso (10) with the ball during a Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The silver lining for the Sky here is that Cardoso will rejoin the team now that her obligation to the national squad has ended. Advertisement Chicago is in action on Tuesday afternoon against the Washington Mystics, giving Cardoso a chance to play her first game back following her two-week absence. Related: Chicago Sky Player on Temporary Leave Turns Heads on Wednesday Related: Chicago Sky Coach Had Four Words for Angel Reese on Sunday Related: Ranking the 25 Best WNBA Players of All Time This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.