Cristiano Ronaldo, the evergreen icon of world football, may be preparing to extend his remarkable career even further. Reports emerging from Saudi Arabia and European outlets suggest that Al-Nassr are ready to offer the Portuguese forward a blockbuster new deal worth €200 million per year, potentially extending his stay until 2027 — a move that would not only extend his playing career past the age of 42 but also align with his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals and represent Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This is more than just a contract renewal — it's an unprecedented continuation of an era.
The rumored contract extension mirrors the terms of his current deal, which is believed to include commercial incentives, ambassadorial duties, and image rights. According to reports from TalkSport and World Soccer Talk, the new deal could also include a long-term option — stretching up to nine years — that would see Ronaldo transition into a global ambassadorial role for Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid once he retires.
If finalized, the deal would be among the most lucrative ever handed to a professional athlete, signaling that both Ronaldo and Saudi Arabia see this partnership as more than just a sporting move—it’s a global branding alliance.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring at a rate that would make most strikers in their prime envious. Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, he has netted 96 goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions. In the current 2024/25 season alone, he has scored 30 goals in 34 appearances, proving that his competitive fire and physical sharpness remain undimmed.
These numbers are more than statistics—they’re statements. While many doubted whether Ronaldo could sustain elite-level performance outside of Europe, he’s responded the only way he knows how: with goals, leadership, and work ethic.
The new deal would also bring Ronaldo closer to what many thought was an impossible benchmark—1,000 career goals. Currently sitting on 933, he is just 67 goals away from reaching this monumental figure. Given his current form and scoring consistency, hitting this mark within the next two seasons looks entirely feasible.
This pursuit isn’t just personal ambition—it’s legacy building. It would elevate him into a statistical stratosphere that no other player in the modern era has reached, making him arguably the most prolific goal-scorer in the history of the game.
Perhaps most intriguing is the link between the contract and Ronaldo’s desire to play in the 2026 World Cup. Having already appeared in five tournaments, Ronaldo is set on pushing the boundaries of athletic endurance and national service by appearing in a sixth.
If he does, he would become the oldest outfield player to appear at a World Cup and further solidify his record as the only player to score in five consecutive World Cups. With the next tournament hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, it also serves as a fitting stage for a grand finale to one of football’s greatest international careers.
Al-Nassr have shown their intent by surrounding Ronaldo with rising stars and experienced internationals, and their recent appointment of Fernando Hierro as Sporting Director only underscores their commitment to becoming a global powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia's influence in the football world is growing rapidly—not just with signings but through global partnerships, sponsorships, and now a likely 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting bid. Ronaldo, arguably the most recognized footballer on Earth, is central to that ambition.
His involvement in promotional roles after retirement could prove pivotal in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance their soft power through sport.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a respectful rival, one thing is clear—Cristiano Ronaldo’s story is far from over. This rumored deal with Al-Nassr doesn’t just extend his playing days; it deepens his legend. It also offers a bold reminder: even in his forties, Ronaldo continues to break boundaries, silence critics, and shape the global football narrative on and off the pitch.
As we await official confirmation, fans around the world can’t help but marvel at a man who refuses to slow down, driven by hunger, legacy, and the insatiable pursuit of greatness.
