Cristiano Ronaldo Is Staying at Al-Nassr And He’s Calling the Shots
For those waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter to end, not so fast.
Despite a cryptic “the chapter is over” post after Al-Nassr’s final Saudi Pro League game, the 40-year-old isn’t going anywhere. In fact, according to Saudi sources, Ronaldo is very close to signing a fresh two-year deal with Al-Nassr, effectively tying him to the Riyadh giants until 2027.
And this isn’t just a contract extension, it’s a power move.
CR7: From Star Player to Sporting Kingpin
Ronaldo is no longer just Al-Nassr’s talisman. He’s now their transfer overlord.
According to French journalist Santi Aouna, CR7 has been handed full decision-making authority over the club’s summer transfer business. Backed by the Saudi PIF, Ronaldo has reportedly received every guarantee he needs to build a squad capable of winning it all.
Al-Nassr’s shopping list? A new centre-back, a defensive midfielder, and a left winger. Names like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, Otávio, and even Aymeric Laporte are apparently on the chopping block, with the club open to offers to fund their next squad overhaul.
No Club World Cup? No Problem
Despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify for the expanded Club World Cup in the U.S., Ronaldo isn’t chasing the spotlight elsewhere. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had hinted at CR7 possibly joining a qualified team, but Ronaldo confirmed he received offers from participants and turned them all down.
Instead, he seems fully committed to Saudi Arabia. Not just to play, but potentially to invest. Reports suggest he’s even exploring sports-related ventures in the Gulf region.
Still Delivering at 40
Let’s not forget, he’s not just flexing influence in the boardroom.
Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 appearances last season, bagging the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League. His total tally since joining Al-Nassr in 2023? 99 goals in 111 games. No big deal.
Earlier this month, he also helped Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League, proving once again that age really is just a number when you’re built like a Greek statue and still training like a teenager.
Manager Out, Future In Flux
On the same day Ronaldo’s future took shape, Al-Nassr parted ways with head coach Stefano Pioli after a short and underwhelming stint. The former AC Milan boss guided the club to a third-place finish, 13 points behind eventual champions Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo, ever the class act, simply wrote “Thanks for everything” on social media as Pioli prepared to return to Fiorentina. But make no mistake, CR7’s influence will extend to the dugout too. Expect the next managerial appointment to have his fingerprints all over it.
Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 isn’t just still scoring goals, he’s literally helping build the squad around him. A new deal is nearly signed, a new sporting director is incoming, and a new era at Al-Nassr is being shaped under the leadership of one man.
They call it the twilight of a footballer’s career. For Ronaldo? It’s just Phase Two.
Also Read- Here We Go: Kepa Arrizabalaga To Arsenal
