Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese footballer, has decided to continue his journey with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for the upcoming season. This decision was confirmed by Al Nassr’s CEO, Guido Fienga, who stated that there are “no doubts, no change of plan for the Portuguese star.”

Ronaldo’s Contract Extension Negotiations

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr is set to expire in the summer of 2025, but the club is already in negotiations to extend his stay further. According to reports, Al Nassr is planning to meet with Ronaldo this summer to extend his contract for an additional year, potentially keeping him in Saudi Arabia until June 2026.

The decision to pursue an extension is driven by several factors, including the upcoming renewal of the Saudi Pro League’s television rights cycle in 2025. Al Nassr sees Ronaldo’s continued presence as crucial during this new cycle, as the Portuguese superstar’s global appeal and marketability can help the league attract lucrative broadcasting deals.12Moreover, the proposed contract extension is expected to include a pay rise for Ronaldo, who currently earns €200 million (£156.6 million) annually, plus bonuses.

Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Season and Personal Achievements

Ronaldo’s impact on the field has been undeniable, as he has continued to break records and reach new milestones during his time in Saudi Arabia. In the final game of the 2023-24 season, Ronaldo scored two goals, making him the highest single-season goalscorer in Saudi Pro League (SPL) history with 35 goals, surpassing the previous record of 34 goals set by Abderrazak Hamdallah in the 2019/20 season.

This remarkable achievement has cemented Ronaldo’s legendary status in yet another league, as he has now been the top scorer in four top-flight leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Saudi Pro League.

Beyond his club achievements, Ronaldo remains a vital part of the Portugal national team and is set to be part of the squad for Euro 2024, where he aims to win the tournament for a second time, having first claimed the trophy in 2016. The former Real Madrid man continues to target numerous records on the international stage, proving his enduring talent and drive.

Al Nassr’s Commitment to Retaining Ronaldo

Al Nassr’s intention to extend Ronaldo’s contract highlights their commitment to retaining one of football’s greatest players. The proposed extension aligns with the club’s strategic goals, particularly regarding the upcoming TV rights deal, as keeping a superstar like Ronaldo in their ranks can significantly boost the league’s global appeal and commercial value.

The potential contract extension reflects the mutual benefits for both the player and the club. Ronaldo’s incredible performance in the Saudi Pro League, coupled with his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2024, underscores his lasting impact on the sport. If the contract extension is finalized, Ronaldo will continue breaking records and thrilling fans worldwide for at least another year.

Ronaldo’s Adaptation to Saudi Culture and Playing Style

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has also required him to adapt to the cultural and training differences compared to his previous experiences in Europe. In an interview, Ronaldo discussed some of the changes he has had to make, such as the shift in training schedules, with sessions often taking place in the afternoon or evening, and even as late as 10 pm during Ramadan. Despite these adjustments, Ronaldo has expressed his positive experience with the Saudi fans, stating that they “really love football and like to live the life.” He has also acknowledged the challenges of not winning any trophies in his first season but remains optimistic about the team’s prospects for improvement in the future.

The Impact of Ronaldo’s Arrival on Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr has had a significant impact on the club, both on and off the field. The club’s official Instagram following has grown from 853,000 to over 10 million since Ronaldo joined the team in January 2023, surpassing many established European clubs.

This surge in social media following highlights Ronaldo’s global appeal and the attention he brings to the Saudi club. The collaboration post between Al Nassr and Ronaldo to announce the transfer received 33.6 million likes, making it Ronaldo’s third-most-liked Instagram post ever and the eighth-most-liked post on the platform.

However, the impact of Ronaldo’s presence on the team’s on-field performance has been a subject of debate. While the team’s goal-scoring rate has decreased with Ronaldo’s involvement, some experts believe that Ronaldo’s star-struck teammates may have tried too hard to serve him, leading to poor tactical decisions. Former Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia warned his players about this phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of playing normally and not always trying to give the ball to Ronaldo. This tactical dispute is believed to have contributed to Garcia’s dismissal less than three months after Ronaldo’s arrival.

Ronaldo’s Commitment to the Saudi League

Despite the team’s trophyless 2023-24 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to staying in Saudi Arabia and helping Al Nassr achieve greater success in the future. In a recent interview, Ronaldo expressed his belief that the Saudi Pro League can become a “top five league in the world” within the next five years, and that he is excited to be a part of the league’s growth and development.

Ronaldo’s dedication to the Saudi project is evident in his decision to extend his contract with Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar’s willingness to commit his future to the club and the league further solidifies his role as a key figure in the ongoing transformation of football in the Middle East.

Conclusion

​Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to continue his journey with Al Nassr for the upcoming season, and potentially beyond, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the club and the Saudi football project. The negotiations for a contract extension until 2026 reflect the mutual benefits and the shared vision between Ronaldo and Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s record-breaking performances, global appeal, and dedication to the team’s success have made him an integral part of Al Nassr’s plans. The club’s efforts to retain the Portuguese icon, both on and off the field, underscore the significant impact he has had on the Saudi Pro League and the broader football landscape in the region.

As Ronaldo continues to push the boundaries of individual and team achievements, his legacy in Saudi Arabia is set to grow even stronger. The potential contract extension will allow him to cement his status as a true trailblazer, paving the way for further growth and development of the Saudi league and its ability to attract top talent from around the world.