Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay with Saudi club Al Nassr, signing a two-year contract extension, ending speculation about his future. The announcement came on Thursday via a post on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which stated, “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.”
Just moments before the confirmation, Al Nassr shared a teaser video featuring the football legend strolling along a beach and declaring, “Al Nassr forever.” The clip sparked excitement among fans and put an end to the transfer rumors swirling around the 40-year-old Portuguese star.
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Trump his Signed Jersey With Message For Peace
Ronaldo first joined the Saudi side in 2023, triggering a wave of high-profile footballers in the twilight of their careers to follow him to the Gulf state. His arrival was seen as a pivotal moment in Saudi football’s global ambitions.
Following the end of the Saudi Pro League season last month, Ronaldo had shared a cryptic message, “This chapter is over,” after Al Nassr once again finished the campaign in third place without securing any silverware. The post had fueled speculation about a potential transfer.
However, insiders from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns several top Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, confirmed Ronaldo’s critical role in boosting the league’s profile. “Ronaldo has been instrumental in the development of Saudi football over the past two and a half years. He’s opened the door for both top-tier and younger players to consider playing here,” a PIF source told AFP.
Backed by vast oil wealth, the PIF has been actively investing in major sports ventures, positioning Saudi Arabia as a new global hub for professional football.