Cristiano Ronaldo will commit his future to Al-Nassr by reportedly signing a new massive contract with one eye on the 2026 World Cup. According to Marca, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has agreed to stay with the Saudi Pro League side for two more seasons, with the second year optional depending on performance and preference. This extension will keep him in Riyadh through to at least 2026 - perfectly timed to align with his ambitions of representing Portugal at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While discussions had been ongoing for several months, and initial expectations pointed to a swift conclusion back in January, the official confirmation had been delayed due to the unique nature of the deal. Unlike a typical sports contract, this agreement encompasses broader commercial, ambassadorial, and developmental roles, making the process more complex than most. There were reports suggesting Ronaldo’s new contract would be worth up to €200 million (£171m/$228m) annually. But beyond the base salary, it’s the added value from brand endorsements, sponsorship activations, and business ventures linked with Saudi interests that have made his stay lucrative. There has even been speculation in recent weeks regarding potential Saudi investment in La Liga club Valencia, with Ronaldo’s name linked to the project in a potential ambassadorial or ownership-related role. Since arriving at Al-Nassr in late 2022, Ronaldo has fully immersed himself in the club’s project. More than just a marquee signing, he has been actively involved in shaping the team’s direction and ambitions. He has been promised a competitive squad, and the January signing of Jhon Duran from Aston Villa was a step in that direction. With Al-Nassr currently chasing both Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League titles, the Portuguese icon has made it clear that he's in Saudi football not for a quiet ending to his career, but to compete and lead. Even at 40, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. His dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup remains very much alive, and this new Al-Nassr contract will offer him the perfect platform to maintain his fitness, form, and focus. More intriguingly, the deal leaves the door open for a final season beyond 2026, which could serve as a launchpad toward achieving a staggering career milestone - scoring 1,000 professional goals. As it stands, Ronaldo is sitting on 934 goals, an astonishing tally that puts the dream within reach if his current scoring pace continues.
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Ronaldo: Dibanding MLS, Saudi Pro League Jauh Lebih Baik

Rizal Saleh - Februari 4, 2025
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Vivagoal – Berita Bola – Cristiano Ronaldo sempat ditanya terkait perbedaan MLS dan Saudi Pro League. Ia mengklaim jika speakbola tier atas Amerika Serikat tak lebih baik dari kompetisi yang tengah ia mainkan.  

Dua tahun lalu, Messi memutuskan meninggalkan Eropa guna merapat ke MLS dan mentas untuk Inter Miami. Di sana, ia sempat menangi gelar dan melengkapo 48 piala yang direngkuh dalam karirnya. Dalam periode itu, ia juga sempat mendapatkan status sebagai MvP.

Sebelum Messi menyeberang ke luar Eropa, Ronaldo sudah melakukannya dengan mentas ke Saudi bersama Al-Nassr. Insting predatornya sama sekali tak hilang ketika mentas di Timur Tengah. Bahkan jika melihat catatan golnya dengan La Pulga, raihannya jauh lebih baik. Dalam wawancara terbaru, ia bahkan mengklaim jika kompetisi yang dimainkannya lebih baik dari MLS dan Ligue 1.

Ronaldo: Dibanding MLS, Saudi Pro League Jauh Lebih Baik
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“Ketika saya membuat keputusan datang [ke Saudi], saya tak menyangka kompetisi ini akan berkembang lebih cepat. Namun sekarang semuanya berbeda. Jika orang bertanya, apakah MLS adalah liga yang buruk dari kami? Tentu saja. Namun karena ini Arab Saudi, semua orang memandang rendah. Orang terlalu banyak bicara hanya karena banyak pemain yang datang ke sini dan mereka kemudian memberikan penilaian,” urai Ronaldo kepada La Sexta.


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Ronaldo berasa saat ini tengah menikmati waktunya di Saudi. Dirinya sangat menikmati atmosfer dan pengalaman bermain di sini. Bahkan lebih jauh, ia menyebut keluarganya sangat menikmati suasana di Timur Tengah. Ia memang sangat menyukai tantangan dan hal tersebut sudah dilakukannya dengan meninggalkan kampung halamannya, Mediera di usia ke-12.

“Bermain di Arab Saudi mungkin tak sama dengan bermain di Eropa. Namun hal ini tak membuat saya harus terjaga dari tidur. Saya tahu apa kompetisi yang saya senangi. Dalam sepakbola, anda harus tahu kemana arahnya dan saya sangat menyukainya,” timpal pemenang 5 Ballon d’Or itu.

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