Latest news with #Al-Fateh

Kuwait Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Ronaldo prefers rest to playing in Club World Cup
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo shoots the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on January 26, 2025. 2025. - AFP RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday. Speculation over the 40-year-old's plans intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify. 'I had some offers to play in the World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,' Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X. 'I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything,' he added. 'And of course, to be in this club, which I love'. Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties. The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al-Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side. 'My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that' Ronaldo added. 'This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia'. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions. Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932. — Reuters


Mint
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Cristiano Ronaldo signs new deal with Al Nassr; extends contract for 2 years
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new deal with Al Nassr to extend his journey with the club. He has signed a two-year contract to stay in the Saudi Pro League. Fernando Hierro, Al Nassr's sporting director,had stated in May that the club was eager to secure a contract extension for Cristiano Ronaldo. It was after acknowledging that other clubs were also trying to sign the 40-year-old star player in their squads. Although Ronaldo suggested after the season-ending match against Al-Fateh that it could have been his final outing with the club, the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient has ended speculations about him moving to a seventh club in his career. "A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together,' Ronaldo posted on his social media handle. After departing Manchester United as a free agent in 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr, where he has netted 93 goals across 105 matches in all competitions.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint over future after Club World Cup transfer speculation
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he will remain at Al-Nassr amid speculation that he could seek a move in order to compete at this summer's Club World Cup. The 40-year-old's future has been up in the air with his contract at the Saudi Arabian club due to come to an end on June 30. Advertisement He joined the club in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United and has been instrumental in elevating the league's credibility. However, a cryptic social media post suggested that the five-time Ballon d'Or was ready to part ways with the club. Following a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh in their final game of the season, which saw Al-Nassr finish third in the league, Ronaldo took to X to say: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all." But now, Ronaldo has backtracked on his earlier statement and seemingly vowed to remain at his current employers. After Portugal's Nations League final victory over Spain last night, which saw Roberto Martinez's side emerge victorious on penalties, the striker has suggested that his future lies with Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that he will stay at Al-Nassr (REUTERS) The Portugal captain said: "Future? Nothing will change. Al-Nassr? Yes." Advertisement Ronaldo extended his goalscoring record against Spain, claiming his 138th international goal in the 61st minute to put Portugal on terms. He was subbed off in the 88th minute and was not involved in the subsequent penalty shootout. Ronaldo helped guide Portugal to a second Nations League title on Sunday (AP) He was seen in tears when Ruben Neves scored the winning spot kick as Portugal reigned supreme over their Spanish neighbours, becoming the first team to become two-time winners. After Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the Club World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed the idea of Ronaldo joining a team still involved in the competition. However, it appears Ronaldo has turned various participating teams down, with Argentinian giants River Plate among those who reportedly sent proposals his way. "Some teams reached out to me,' Ronaldo added. 'Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything. You can't catch every ball."


News18
07-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Cristiano Ronaldo Not Playing Club World Cup, Despite 'Plenty Of Contact..'
Last Updated: Cristiano Ronaldo dmissed speculation that he could play at the Club World Cup, saying on Saturday it was all but certain that he wouldn't feature. Al-Nassr and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Saturday that he has no plans to play in the Club World Cup in the United States, despite interest from participating clubs in the expanded 32-team tournament. Speculation surrounding the 40-year-old's future intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned ongoing discussions about Ronaldo's potential involvement in the Club World Cup, even though Al-Nassr hadn't qualified. Last month, Al-Nassr's sporting director, Fernando Hierro, confirmed they were in negotiations with Ronaldo for a contract extension but acknowledged facing strong competition from several clubs keen to acquire the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Further fuelling the uncertainty, Ronaldo posted on social media after Al-Nassr's final match of the season against Al-Fateh: 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written." When questioned about the possibility of joining another club to participate in the Club World Cup later this month, Ronaldo told reporters: 'It's irrelevant; at the moment, it doesn't make sense to discuss anything other than the national team. 'There has been plenty of contact from clubs. I see some offers that make sense and others that don't. You can't go to all of them; you have to consider short, medium, and long-term plans. 'It's practically decided on my part not to participate in the Club World Cup, although I've had many invitations." On Wednesday, Ronaldo scored the winning goal as Portugal defeated Germany 2-1 to secure a place in the Nations League final against Spain. 'It's always been like that. Whenever I've played football or a big game, it's always been Cristiano against this one or that one," he said. 'It's been over 20 years, and it's still the same. It doesn't bother me anymore; it's normal. They're completely different generations – one just starting out and the other finishing, like me. 'In reality, it's not like that. It's a team against a team. It will always be like that. What I want most is for Portugal to perform well, confident that we can play a great game and win against a very good team, possibly the best in the world." (With inputs from Reuters) First Published:


Economic Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr? Is a Partnership with Messi or a return to Real Madrid on the cards?
ANI "This chapter is over" — Ronaldo reflects as his time in Saudi Arabia nears its end. Cristiano Ronaldo has signaled the end of his tenure with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, igniting widespread speculation about his next move. Following Al-Nassr's final match of the season on May 26, a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh, Ronaldo posted a message on social media stating, "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all." Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, signing a contract reportedly worth €200 million annually. During his time with the club, he scored 99 goals in 111 appearances across all competitions. Despite his success, Al-Nassr failed to secure any major titles during his tenure, finishing third in the Saudi Pro League this season and missing out on qualification for the AFC Champions League. With his contract set to expire at the end of June, Ronaldo's future remains uncertain. FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently suggested that Ronaldo could participate in the upcoming expanded FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 14 in the United States. Infantino stated, "There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows." The Club World Cup will feature a unique transfer window from June 1 to June 10, allowing participating teams to register new players specifically for the tournament, which opens the door for Ronaldo to join a qualified club on a short-term basis. Several clubs have been linked to Ronaldo, including Brazilian side Palmeiras, Mexican club CF Monterrey, and Moroccan team Wydad Casablanca. A return to Real Madrid has also been speculated, given his strong ties to the club and the appointment of former teammate Xabi Alonso as Inter Miami, where his longtime rival Lionel Messi currently plays, could be a potential destination, offering fans a chance to witness the iconic duo on the same team. Al-Nassr has reportedly offered Ronaldo a contract extension with a significant salary reduction, over 50 percent, but including a 5 percent ownership stake in the club. However, Ronaldo is also said to be considering an offer from Saudi rivals Al Hilal, who are seeking a marquee signing following Neymar's departure.