Ronaldo continues with Al Nassr: set to play on until 42

New contract: with Al Nassr until 2027

Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his contract with Al Nassr by two more years, preparing to continue his football career until the age of 42. The new deal will run until the summer of 2027 and will cover Ronaldo’s 25th professional season.

Originally signing for Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo drew global attention to Saudi Arabian football at the time. His initial two-and-a-half-year contract was set to expire at the end of this month, and the star player’s future had long been a subject of speculation.

“This chapter is over” post sparked speculation

At the end of the season, his post on social media saying “This chapter is over” fuelled rumours of a departure. It was claimed that he could sign a short-term deal with one of the teams competing at the FIFA Club World Cup, with clubs like Botafogo, River Plate and Wydad Casablanca being named. FIFA President Gianni Infantino added fuel to the talk by saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup… 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. Still a few weeks time, will be fun.”

Al Hilal rumours emerged after the speculation

Following Al Nassr’s failure to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, rumours emerged that Ronaldo could be loaned to arch-rivals Al Hilal just for this tournament. The possibility of seeing Ronaldo play on the same stage as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami generated excitement worldwide.

Calzada responded: against our philosophy

However, Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada firmly denied these claims in a statement to BBC Sport:

“We normally don’t comment on such speculation,” said Calzada, “but our name is often used in negotiations. We hold the highest respect for a great player like Ronaldo; however, signing the legend of our arch-rival for just a few weeks for a tournament goes against our club philosophy.”

Transfer talks before the Club World Cup

Calzada also noted that they had held talks with some players ahead of the tournament:

“Some players were already in holiday mode, and some came with unrealistic demands. But we already have a highly competitive squad. After the tournament, we will enter the transfer window with major ambitions.”

Ronaldo responds: confirms approaches, rejects offers

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed in an interview with BBC Sport that some clubs wanting to take part in the Club World Cup had approached him. Among these was Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. However, Ronaldo stated that he directly rejected these offers:

“Some clubs reached out to me. Some offers were reasonable, some were not; but you can’t chase every ball.”

As reported by Sky Sports, Ronaldo summed up his decision with the following words:

“You have to think about the short, medium and long term together. Yes, offers came in, but I didn’t consider any of them.”

Decision to stay at Al Nassr is final

But Ronaldo turned down all these options and decided to remain at Al Nassr. In a video shared on the club’s official social media account, he can be seen walking along a palm tree-lined beach, saying “Al Nassr, forever.” Shortly after, he posted on his own account: “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

Managerial change and new goals

This major news came just days after Al Nassr sacked manager Stefano Pioli. The experienced Italian coach, brought in last season, failed to meet expectations and left the team in third place in the league. Al Nassr have only won the Saudi Pro League once in the last 10 years and have yet to lift the league title since Ronaldo’s arrival. Next season, they will compete in the AFC Champions League Two — Asia’s second-tier club competition, equivalent to the UEFA Europa League.

Still at the top: Ronaldo’s performance at 40

Although Ronaldo turned down Club World Cup offers, he continues to perform at the highest level individually. In the 2024/25 season, the 40-year-old star played 41 official matches for Al Nassr, scoring 35 goals and providing 6 assists, proving his consistency once again. With his physical condition, game intelligence and goal instincts, Ronaldo remains one of the standout names in world football despite his age.