The Saudi Pro League is home to one of the most recognizable soccer stars on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo. Since arriving at Al-Nassr in January 2023, the 5x-Ballon d’Or winner has not only impressed on the pitch but has also become the face of the league. Now, it seems his time in the Middle East is poised to continue, with reports emerging that he is close to signing a two-year contract extension.
But what is the motivation behind this move, and how will it shape the future of the Saudi Pro League? Let’s delve into the unfolding narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s potential contract extension with Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo nears new deal with Al-Nassr
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Cristiano Ronaldo became the Saudi Pro League’s poster boy when he penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Nassr in January 2023. His contract with the club was reportedly valued at a staggering $220 million per year. His current contract expires in the summer of 2025, but reports indicate his desire to extend it for another two years, potentially keeping him at the club until the start of 2027.
مؤكد :
نادي النصر السعودي سيُعلن خلال الفترة القليلة القادمة عن تمديد عقد الأسطورة كريستيانو رونالدو لعامين إضافيين "برغبة من كريستيانو" حيثُ يبدأ العقد الجديد "من بداية عام 2025م وينتهي في بداية عام 2027م" pic.twitter.com/vxgNejwXck
— علي الحربي (@alharbi_44) December 12, 2023
The Portuguese maestro will be 41 till his next contract ends. His contract extension with Al-Nassr will not only cement his legacy in the Saudi Pro League but could also potentially allow him to lead Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old forward has stated his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and an extension on the club level would give him the space to prepare for the tournament.
After his move, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to perform at a high level. He has already scored 20 goals and registered 10 assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season. He recently achieved a milestone of scoring 50 goals in 2023, placing him alongside Erling Haaland as the joint-top scorer for the year. Al-Nassr will reportedly announce the official decision very soon.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo Fever Hits Miami Thanks to Kanye West’s Son Saint Hours After Al Nassr Win
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr set to face Messi’s Inter Miami
As the Al-Nassr narrative unfolds, a parallel storyline is brewing in the international soccer calendar. MLS side Inter Miami has officially confirmed their participation in the pre-season clash against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Season Cup. This move sets the stage for a historic showdown between the two titans – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on February 1, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Adding a stop to our Preseason International Tour📍🌏
We will play two matches in Saudi Arabia in the Riyadh Season Cup as part of our first-ever international tour!
In a round-robin tournament format, we will take on Saudi powerhouses Al-Hilal SFC and Al Nassr FC on Monday,… pic.twitter.com/Xi9M0QApLi
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 11, 2023
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With Ronaldo set to extend his stay and a showdown against Messi nearing, it will surely be an interesting couple of months. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo when he returns to action in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
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