Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with the Saudi Arabian team on Thursday, putting an end to any doubts about his future with the words “Al Nassr forever.”
With his most recent contract, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue to play until he is at least 42 years old, giving him the opportunity to build on his already impressive career.
A new chapter starts. Same dream, same passion. Ronaldo posted a picture of himself holding up a shirt that said Ronaldo 2027 on social media, along with the words, “Let’s make history together.”
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United to join Al Nassr at the end of 2022 in one of the most surprising transactions in soccer history, is extending his stay in Saudi Arabia with the contract. Numerous elite players, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, left Europe for the oil-rich kingdom as a result of the arrangement, which was reputedly valued up to $200 million annually.
When the 40-year-old Ronaldo said at the end of the Saudi season last month that the chapter was over, he created a lot of confusion because his contract was about to expire. However, he put an end to rumors on Thursday by declaring in the club’s release that Al Nassr would always be there.
The transaction demonstrates the former Real Madrid forward’s desire for greater success. Additionally, his reputation with his national team has not suffered as a result of the switch to a less demanding division.
The five-time Champions League champion recently assisted Portugal in winning the UEFA Nations League title and has won 28 major titles with both club and country. With 141 goals, he is the all-time top scorer in the Champions League.
The only significant accolade left from his record is the World Cup, and he might have one more opportunity to win soccer’s biggest prize at the event the following year.
Ronaldo has struggled to win championships in Al Nassr, even though he has scored 77 goals in 74 league games and helped to promote Saudi Arabian soccer.
The Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 has been his only one to far. After three tries, he has yet to win the Saudi Pro League.
Nevertheless, the club celebrated his most recent signing by sharing a video of him strolling on the beach with the tagline, “The Story continues.” The emojis of a goat and a gold heart were also included.
Ronaldo is widely regarded as the best soccer player of all time, or GOAT for short.
As the two best players of their generation, he and Lionel Messi have been rivals for years; their rivalry peaked when they were playing for Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Due to both players reaching the end of their careers and playing in less well-known leagues—Messi joining MLS franchise Inter Miami in 2023—the rivalry has become less intense in recent years.
