Cristiano Ronaldo penned a two-year extension with Al-Nassr after months of uncertainty over his future ahead of the new season.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” said the club via a post on X.
Ronaldo arrived in the kingdom in 2023 at the club, stirring an influx of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.
The 40-year-old heralded a rush of departure rumours last month, when he posted ‘This chapter is over’ hours after the Saudi Pro League came to a conclusion as Al-Nassr finished third and trophyless once again — however, those rumours have now ended.
“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.
The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.
Although Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer last season with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.
Per a report from The Sun, Ronaldo is set to earn around £178 million a year, also at £3.4 million a week. A 15% ownership of Al-Nassr (estimated to be worth £33 million), £24.5 million signing bonus – increasing to £38 million if he activates the second year of his contract, £80,000 bonus per goal [increases by 20% in second year], £40,000 bonus per assist [increases by 20% in second year].
The Portugal captain will also earn an £8 million bonus if Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title, £4 million bonus if he wins the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, £6.5 million bonus if Al-Nassr qualify for the Asian Champions League and win it.
Also, from the media outlet, Ronaldo will have £4 million worth of private jet expenses, covered by Al-Nassr, £60 million worth of sponsorship deals promised by Al-Nassr with new Saudi companies and companies in the Asian Market – plus 16 people working full-time for him, including three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners and four security people.
