Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of extending his stay at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, according to local sources who spoke to BBC Sport, despite earlier signs suggesting his time in Riyadh was drawing to a close.
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after a high-profile exit from Manchester United, had initially agreed to a deal running through June 2025. However, talks have progressed significantly over a new two-year extension that would keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
Speculation around Ronaldo’s future intensified last month when he posted cryptically on social media, stating “the chapter is over” following Al-Nassr’s final game of the Saudi Pro League season. The message sparked rumours of a possible move abroad or even retirement, especially after Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup set to be held in the United States next summer.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino added fuel to the speculation by suggesting that Ronaldo could still feature at the global tournament by joining one of the qualified teams. Ronaldo later confirmed he had received such offers but turned them down, reinforcing his commitment to his current club.
Despite the uncertainty, Ronaldo’s influence on the pitch remains undisputed. Since arriving in the Middle East, he has netted an astonishing 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr. His 35 goals in 41 matches during the most recent campaign earned him the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, and he was widely credited with helping to elevate the club’s profile on the global stage.
Off the field, the Portuguese captain is also said to be exploring sports investment opportunities in the Gulf region, a move that would further embed his legacy in the country beyond his playing career. Sources close to the player have indicated that the decision to extend his contract is influenced not just by footballing ambitions but also a growing interest in contributing to the broader development of sport in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo recently added another international title to his illustrious career, helping Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League trophy two weeks ago, further solidifying his position as one of football’s enduring figures even at age 40.
His decision to stay in Saudi Arabia also comes at a time of transition for Al-Nassr. The club parted ways with Italian manager Stefano Pioli earlier on Wednesday, less than a year after his appointment. Under Pioli’s leadership, the team managed a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, ending the season 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo acknowledged the manager’s departure with a message of thanks on social media, writing, “Thanks for everything,” as Pioli is now reportedly set to return to former club Fiorentina.
Al-Nassr’s decision to seek new leadership on the touchline and secure Ronaldo’s services for the coming years signals a clear intent to build a competitive project centred around the legendary forward.
With talks reportedly nearing completion, an official announcement is expected soon. If confirmed, the extension would see Ronaldo continue to play professional football well into his forties, making him one of the oldest elite forwards still performing at a high level.
BBC Sport has reached out to Ronaldo’s representatives for an official comment, but no response has yet been received.
As the world waits for final confirmation, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s football journey is far from over — and Saudi Arabia is set to remain its central stage.
