Ronaldo signs landmark deal: stays at Al Nassr until 2027, praises Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup vision

A two-year extension with record-breaking terms

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest level and has signed a new two-year deal with Al Nassr. The Portuguese star also voiced his confidence in Saudi Arabia’s football vision, stating that the 2034 World Cup will be “the greatest tournament in history”. The new deal includes a record-breaking salary, high bonuses, club shares and an ambassadorial role.

Clarifying rumours: Ronaldo chooses continuity

Cristiano Ronaldo clarified the recent speculation over a potential departure that had dominated headlines for nearly a month. Despite his end-of-season post saying “this chapter is over” stirring speculation on social media, the star opted to stay at Al Nassr. Ahead of the new season, he has committed to the club for two more years.

Strategic decision for club and country

Speaking to the club’s official TV channel, Ronaldo emphasised that this decision was not only about the club but also part of his national team plans:

“Some teams approached me for the Club World Cup, but I wanted to recover physically and mentally. We have a tough season ahead. With the World Cup approaching, I want to be fully ready.”

The Portuguese star, who will be 41 at the 2026 World Cup, noted that Al Nassr provides the best environment for his preparation:

“I need to be ready not just for my club but also for the national team. That’s why I chose long-term preparation over short-term solutions,”

Ronaldo: “I belong here”

Ronaldo also expressed how much he feels at home in Saudi Arabia:

“I love Saudi Arabia. I’m Portuguese, but I belong here. They value me, and I try to give back.”

Support for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup

Regarding Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, Ronaldo shared his belief in the uniqueness of the tournament:

“That tournament will be something else. The greatest World Cup in history will be held in Saudi Arabia,”

“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.”

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.”

Al Hilal rumours dismissed

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.”

Ronaldo 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.”

Financial background: bonuses, ownership stake and ambassador role

Ronaldo’s decision to stay at Al Nassr was not only based on sporting reasons but also involved significant financial incentives. According to The Sun, the Portuguese superstar received a £24.5 million signing bonus. If he completes the second year of his deal, this amount will rise to £38 million.

Also according to The Sun, Ronaldo’s annual salary stands at £178 million, which equates to around £488,000 per day. If he secures all the performance bonuses in his contract—such as winning the Golden Boot or leading Al Nassr to the league title—he will receive additional payments of £4 million and £8 million respectively. Altogether, his earnings from this contract could surpass half a billion pounds.

The newspaper also claims that Al Nassr gave Ronaldo a 15% ownership stake in the club, valued at approximately £33 million. The Saudi club is preparing to officially announce Ronaldo as its global ambassador shortly after.

“Al Nassr. Always.”

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. Always.” Shortly after, he posted on his own account:

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

25th professional season: career continues to 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.

Still at the top at 40

Although Ronaldo turned down Club World Cup offers, he continues to perform at the highest level individually. In 2024/25, at 40, he 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.