Hints at retiring in two to three years, likely finishing his career at Al-Nassr.
KEY POINTS
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored 82 goals in 90 matches
- New deal is worth €183 million per year
- Makes him the highest-paid footballer at the age of 40
ISLAMABAD: Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to extend his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr for another year to remain associated with the club until June 2026.
An official confirmed that both parties have reached an agreement on the contract extension, although the paperwork is yet to be finalised. An announcement is expected in the coming days. Just last week, Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday, with his current contract initially set to expire in June 2025.
The former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus made his move to Al Nassr in January 2023, where he made quite an impact, netting 82 goals in 90 appearances.
Back in August, Ronaldo expressed his intention to remain with Al-Nassr until the curtains fall on his professional career, which he anticipates could happen “soon or in two or three years.” He emphasised, “But it’ll most likely happen with Al-Nassr, the team that brings me joy… and where I feel at home.”
When he switched to Riyadh’s Al-Nassr two years ago, some viewed it as a transition from a glorious career to a lucrative but less visible chapter, with a reported deal worth $250 million. However, his presence has sparked a wave of other veteran stars joining the financially ambitious Saudi Pro League.
The kingdom’s ambitious sports and cultural vision took a monumental leap when it was awarded the 2034 World Cup in December, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reshape its global image through sports.
In August, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel, and it quickly garnered a staggering one million subscribers in just 90 minutes, ballooning to 20 million within a day. He now boasts an impressive 73.5 million followers.
Leo Messi of Paris Saint-Germain and Cristiano Ronaldo of Ruyadh XI fight for possession during the friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain and Riyadh XI at King Fahd International Stadium on January 19, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Though World Cup glory has eluded him—unlike his Argentine counterpart Lionel Messi—Ronaldo still has numerous records within his reach as he approaches the milestone of 1,000 professional goals in official matches. However, despite his remarkable scoring prowess, he has yet to claim a Saudi or continental title with Al-Nassr, with the Arab Club Champions Cup of 2023 being his sole accolade with the team.
About the contract
Ronaldo is set to pocket an astounding €183 million each year, which breaks down to a staggering €15.25 million monthly or around €550,000 daily, solidifying his status as the highest-paid footballer on the planet at 40 years old.
In terms of PKR, this lucrative new contract translates to an eye-popping 53.07 billion annually, which equates to 159.5 million every single day. But the financial numbers are just part of the story; Al-Nassr has sweetened the deal by offering the iconic forward a 5 per cent ownership stake, a gesture that underscores their faith in his leadership and dedication to the club.
This exciting turn of events follows reports that Ronaldo had stipulated conditions for renewing his contract with Al-Nassr, insisting the club bolster its roster to challenge the league’s elite, including powerhouses like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
Leave a Reply