Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, ensuring his stay with the Saudi Pro League club until June 2027, when he will be 42 years old. The announcement, made by Al-Nassr on Thursday, quells speculation about the Portuguese superstar’s future after his previous contract was set to expire on June 30, 2025. Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh-based club in January 2023, continues to solidify his status as the world’s highest-paid footballer with a deal that combines substantial financial rewards and a unique ownership stake in the club.
The new contract, described as a “mega deal,” reportedly sees Ronaldo earning approximately €185 million annually, equivalent to €550,000 per day, €3.8 million per week, or roughly €300 per minute. This staggering salary maintains his position as the top-earning athlete globally, a title he has held for the past three years, according to Forbes. In addition to his on-field earnings, Ronaldo’s off-field ventures, including endorsements with brands like Nike, Herbalife, and Binance, contribute significantly to his estimated $275 million in total earnings for 2025.
A standout feature of the deal is Al-Nassr’s offer of a 5% ownership stake in the club, a move that underscores the club’s confidence in Ronaldo’s influence both on and off the pitch. This stake aligns with structural changes at Al-Nassr, including the appointment of a new president and CEO, and positions Ronaldo as a key decision-maker in club matters, including recruitment. Reports indicate that Ronaldo will have a significant say in transfers this summer, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) guaranteeing resources to build a competitive team around him.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram alongside a picture of his contract signing, signaling his commitment to Al-Nassr and dispelling rumors of a potential departure. Speculation had intensified after Ronaldo’s cryptic social media post following Al-Nassr’s final Saudi Pro League game of the 2024-25 season, where he wrote, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.” Offers from clubs participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including Brazil’s Botafogo and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, were reportedly turned down by the 40-year-old forward.
Since joining Al-Nassr after a controversial exit from Manchester United in December 2022, Ronaldo has been prolific, scoring 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he netted 35 goals in 41 matches, securing the Saudi Pro League’s Golden Boot for the second consecutive year. Despite his individual success, major trophies have eluded Al-Nassr, with the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup being Ronaldo’s only title with the club. He has expressed a strong desire to win the Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League, and King’s Cup in the coming years, fueled by his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals. Currently at 938 goals for club and country, Ronaldo needs 62 more to achieve the milestone, a target he believes is within reach given his scoring rate of a goal every 96 minutes for Al-Nassr.
The contract includes additional incentives, such as a $10 million bonus for winning the AFC Champions League and a €100 million release clause for European clubs, though a return to Europe appears unlikely as Ronaldo focuses on his Saudi venture and Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign. A reported secret clause ties an additional $50 million to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid, positioning Ronaldo as a global ambassador for the kingdom’s football ambitions. Beyond playing, Ronaldo will mentor Al-Nassr’s youth academy, advise the Saudi Football Association on league reforms, and participate in at least 10 community events annually, including youth clinics.
Ronaldo’s presence has transformed the Saudi Pro League, boosting Al-Nassr’s Instagram followers from 860,000 to 25 million since his arrival and attracting global stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté to the league. His commitment until 2027 is seen as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s vision to elevate its football ecosystem, with Al-Nassr aiming to double merchandise revenue and secure partnerships with brands like Nike and Herbalife.