IN A move that solidifies his commitment to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a two-year contract extension, declaring “Al Nassr forever.”
The deal -- announced on Thursday, June 27, 2025 -- will keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner playing until at least the age of 42, extending his already record-breaking career.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo posted on social media, accompanied by a picture of him holding a “Ronaldo 2027” jersey.
This extension follows his high-profile transfer to Al Nassr at the end of 2022 after leaving Manchester United. That initial deal, reportedly worth up to $200 million annually, triggered a wave of top European players, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, moving to the oil-rich kingdom.
Speculation about Ronaldo’s future arose last month when he hinted his “chapter is over” as the Saudi season concluded. However, his “Al Nassr forever” statement definitively ended the uncertainty.
The deal signals the former Real Madrid forward’s continued drive for success, even in a less-challenging league, which hasn’t diminished his standing with the Portuguese national team.
The five-time Champions League winner boasts an impressive 28 major trophies with club and country, recently helping Portugal secure the UEFA Nations League title.
He also holds the all-time leading scorer record in the Champions League with 141 goals. The World Cup remains the sole major honor missing from his remarkable resume, with next year’s tournament potentially offering him one last chance at soccer’s grandest prize.
Despite elevating the profile of Saudi Arabian soccer and netting an impressive 77 goals in 74 league appearances for Al Nassr, team trophies have been elusive.
His sole victory with the club so far is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, and he has yet to win the Saudi Pro League in three attempts.
Nevertheless, Al Nassr celebrated the extension, sharing a video of Ronaldo on a beach with the caption “The Story continues..” along with goat and gold heart emojis, referencing his widely recognized status as soccer’s Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). / From the wires