Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Al Nassr until 2027
Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Al Nassr until 2027
Ronaldo's contract extension puts an end to months of speculation over where the superstar will play next season. File photo: Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club has announced, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X.
Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever".
Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.
"A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together," read the post.
The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.
Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.
"Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.
The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.
Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal – on a reported salary of around US$104 million a year.
Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.
Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals. (AFP)
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