Cristiano Ronaldo has ended speculation about his future, confirming he will stay with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, where his contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain, fresh off leading his country to the UEFA Nations League title on Sunday, has addressed reports linking him with moves elsewhere.
“About the future? Nothing will change. Al-Nassr? Yes,” Ronaldo declared, dispelling all talks of potential transfers to clubs in Brazil or Saudi rivals Al-Hilal, which finished second atop Al-Nassr FC in the 2024-25 league standings.
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Al-Nassr’s sporting director, Fernando Hierro, revealed last month that the club was in talks to extend the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract, despite competition from other suitors.
But Ronaldo’s time at the club has been a mix of individual brilliance and collective frustration since he came out of Premier League side Manchester United in December 2022 on a $200 million-a-year deal. He topped the Saudi Pro League scoring charts for the second consecutive season with 25 goals, yet Al-Nassr finished third, missing out on next season’s AFC Champions League. Also, since his arrival, he has scored an astonishing 99 goals in 105 matches, but his only silverware with the club remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
The UEFA Nations League 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain marked his third major international title, following Portugal’s 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League successes. “Winning for Portugal is always special,” said Ronaldo, visibly emotional. “I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears, duty done, and a lot of joy.”
His decision to stay with Al-Nassr will delight fans and the club’s backers, who see him as central to their ambition of elevating Saudi football’s global profile.
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