Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future at Al-Nassr is increasingly being discussed beyond goals and records, as the Saudi Pro League prepares for a significant structural shift tied to Saudi Arabia’s buildup toward hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
League officials are aiming to reposition Saudi football on the global stage, and that strategy could reshape Al-Nassr and the environment around its biggest star over the next few seasons. According to multiple reports, the Saudi Pro League is gearing up for what insiders describe as a second major revolution.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that league dealmakers are targeting as many as 50 peak-age foreign players as part of a recruitment drive that could reach $2.4 billion by the 2026 summer window. The focus represents a move away from the initial “legends-first” phase that brought global icons like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the league, and toward signing players closer to their prime who can anchor the competition long-term.
Vinicius Junior could arrive in Saudi Arabia
At the top of the reported wishlist is Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, viewed internally as a potential face of the league heading into the World Cup era. beIN Sports has claimed that Al-Ahli could be prepared to assemble a package worth up to $1.2 billion for the Brazilian.
Other elite European stars, including Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes and Robert Lewandowski, have also been linked as Saudi officials look to balance commercial appeal with on-field sustainability. Ronaldo‘s timeline is a key factor in how these plans unfold.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is under contract at Al-Nassr through the summer of 2027, and reports suggest that could mark the end of his club career, even if a short extension remains possible. With that horizon in mind, clubs are beginning to make decisions that prioritize the post-Ronaldo era.
A major shake up at Al Nassr
One of the most notable developments involves Al-Nassr‘s current supporting cast. According to 365Scores Arabic, the club does not intend to renew the contracts of Marcelo Brozovic or Sadio Mane. The report states that Brozovic has already instructed his agent to explore a return to Europe next summer, and that Mane’s deal is also expected to expire without renewal.
Their potential departures signal a broader shift in philosophy. Mane‘s impact was evident earlier this season when Al-Nassr put together a 10-match winning streak before his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations, a stretch that coincided with a drop in form and reduced service to Ronaldo and Joao Felix. Brozovic has served as a stabilizing presence in midfield, allowing attackers to operate with greater freedom.
For Ronaldo, the changes could mean adapting to a retooled squad as the league accelerates toward its World Cup ambitions. More broadly, the decisions underscore a clear message across Saudi football: past status will not outweigh future planning. As younger targets such as Vinicius, Gabriel Martinelli and Amadou Onana continue to be discussed, the Saudi Pro League is positioning itself for its next phase.
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