 "Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to continue with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League club he had signed with as a free agent in January 2023. Image credit: Al Nassr FC")
There had been a lot of speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, especially due to the lack of trophies since he joined the club as a free agent in January 2023. Ronaldo had himself thrown hints at parting with Al-Nassr after they failed to qualify for the Club World Cup, a tournament FIFA president Gianni Infantino hoped he would be part of alongside long-time arch-rival Lionel Messi.
Not only did Ronaldo confirm his absence from the Club World Cup before the 32-team tournament got underway in the United States on 14 June, he has now extended his contract with the club until 2027.
“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” the iconic forward, who had recently starred in Portugal’s triumph in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain , wrote in a post on X confirming his extended stay at the club.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen holding a jersey with the words ‘Ronaldo 2027’ alongside Al-Nassr president Abdullah Al-Majid in a picture accompanying the post.
And before the announcement, the club’s official social media accounts had posted a video of the 40-year-old walking on a beach and saying the words, “Al Nassr forever”.
How much will Cristiano Ronaldo earn in the next two years at Al Nassr?
According to The Sun, Ronaldo will be earning nearly half-a-billion pounds (£492 million or US$677 million) after extending his contract by two years.
‘CR7’, who has topped the goal-scoring chart in each of his two full seasons with Al-Nassr, will thus be earning a whopping half-a-million pounds (£488,000 or US$671,898) per day until the age of 42.
Additionally, Ronaldo will be receiving a signing bonus of £24.5 million, which will go up to £38 million should he trigger the second year of his contract.
The British publication added that Ronaldo has also been given a 15 per cent ownership stake in the club, worth £33 million (US$45 million) along with bonuses of £4 million and £8 million for winning the golden boot and helping the club win the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s status as the world’s highest-paid athlete thus is more than likely to remain unchallenged for another two years at least. And a year-year extension with a club at the age of 40 certainly makes Al-Awwal Park, Al-Nassr’s home ground, the likely venue for Ronaldo’s swansong.