Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr, ensuring that the Portuguese superstar will remain in Saudi Arabia until at least the summer of 2027-well past his 42nd birthday.
The extension comes after a wave of speculation over his future, triggered by a cryptic social media post that read “this chapter is over.” Many took the message to mean that Ronaldo was preparing to leave Riyadh, especially after Al-Nassr concluded another season without a trophy.
However, following Portugal’s recent UEFA Nations League victory, Ronaldo clarified his intentions, stating he would return to Al-Nassr for the upcoming season. The confirmation was made official on Thursday, as both Ronaldo and the club shared coordinated announcements online.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), silencing rumors of a potential move to another Club World Cup contender.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United and has since become the face of the Saudi Pro League’s growing global ambitions.
Still breaking records at 40
Despite being 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level. He finished last season as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for a second consecutive year, netting 35 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
In total, he has scored 99 goals in just 111 games for Al-Nassr-bringing his overall senior career total to an astonishing 938 goals. With a personal goal of reaching 1,000 career goals, the extension gives him a real shot at achieving that milestone.
The new deal is reportedly worth £167 million per year, solidifying Ronaldo’s status as the highest-paid footballer in the world. In addition to his on-pitch contributions, reports suggest Ronaldo may also be offered a long-term ambassadorial or even ownership role within the club, underscoring his influence beyond football.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, is undergoing internal changes. The club recently announced the departure of head coach Stefano Pioli, making him the fourth manager to exit since Ronaldo’s arrival. Previous coaches include Rudi Garcia, Dinko Jelicic, and Luís Castro. Ronaldo acknowledged Pioli’s departure with a message in Italian, “Grazie per tutto”-“Thank you for everything.”
As he enters what may be the final chapter of his storied career, Ronaldo remains determined to win silverware with Al-Nassr and make history in a league he helped transform. For now, the saga continues-with more goals, more headlines, and the dream of a perfect final act.
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