Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro addressed swirling speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Saudi Pro League club, expressing a strong desire to extend the superstar’s contract. Ronaldo, whose current deal is set to expire on June 30, 2025, has been the subject of intense transfer rumors following a cryptic social media post after Al-Nassr’s final game of the season, where he stated, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.” The comment sparked widespread debate about whether the 40-year-old Portuguese legend would depart the Riyadh-based club after two and a half years.
Hierro, a former Real Madrid captain and Spanish football icon, was defiant in response to claims that Ronaldo’s departure is imminent. “I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr. In any case, we are working hard on all aspects,” Hierro said, emphasizing ongoing negotiations to renew Ronaldo’s contract. He highlighted Ronaldo’s transformative impact on Saudi football, noting, “Cris has opened up this country’s football to the world. He is a phenomenon, having had the courage to come, to be here, to open the Saudi league to the world. It is an extraordinary milestone; since his arrival, players of great caliber have come.” Hierro’s comments underscore Ronaldo’s role as a catalyst for the Saudi Pro League’s growing global profile, with the league attracting high-profile talents in recent years.
Despite Ronaldo’s remarkable individual performance—scoring 99 goals in 111 appearances, including 25 goals in the 2024-25 season to finish as the league’s top scorer—Al-Nassr’s third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League and failure to qualify for the prestigious AFC Champions League have fueled speculation about his next move. Reports have linked Ronaldo with a potential transfer to rivals Al-Hilal, who qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup, as well as clubs in Brazil, Mexico, and even a romantic return to Sporting CP or Manchester United. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently added to the speculation, suggesting Ronaldo could join a Club World Cup team, stating, “There are discussions with some clubs.”
Hierro acknowledged the competition for Ronaldo’s signature, admitting, “We are negotiating with Cristiano Ronaldo to renew his contract, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.” He framed Ronaldo’s presence as a “national project,” reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to elevate its footballing stature. “The whole country is pushing hard for him to continue, and that will be important for him,” Hierro added, signaling the club’s determination to keep their star player.
Ronaldo’s tenure at Al-Nassr, which began in December 2022 after his departure from Manchester United, has been prolific but trophy-light, with only the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup to show for his efforts. Earlier reports suggested Ronaldo had grown frustrated with the club’s lack of progress, with some outlets claiming he demanded significant changes, including the sacking of head coach Stefano Pioli and sporting director Hierro himself, alongside a squad overhaul. However, Hierro’s recent statements suggest a unified front at Al-Nassr, with the club keen to align Ronaldo’s ambitions with their long-term vision.