Cristiano Ronaldo faces a fresh battle with Al Nassr as the Saudi Pro League giants prepare to hold him to his current contract.
The Portuguese superstar had issued a bold update over his future plans as the 40-year-old pushes to leave Riyadh.
Ronaldo penned a contract until the end of June 2026, upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia at the start of 2023, after Manchester United terminated his deal in November 2023.
Despite scoring a whopping 99 goals in 111 appearances, Ronaldo has failed to win a major trophy in the Middle East, with his side ending the 2024/25 campaign third in the Saudi Pro League alongside defeat in the semi finals of the AFC Champions League.
Ronaldo has subsequently made his stance clear with a post on social media, claiming 'this chapter is over'.
This chapter is over.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 26, 2025
The story? Still being written.
Grateful to all. pic.twitter.com/Vuvl5siEB3
That looked to be the end note for his Al Nassr career, but the club are not backing down, and Ronaldo could be retained for a little longer.
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo staying at Al Nassr?
The short answer appears to be yes, at least until the end of June.
As part of a sensational update, Al Nassr's Sporting Director Fernando Hierro - and former Real Madrid captain - Fernando Hierro had a clear message for Ronaldo over the terms of his contract.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract until June 30th and we hope he will continue with us," he said.
"We are negotiating with Cristiano Ronaldo to renew his contract. God willing, we will find a solution.
Fernando Hierro:
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 29, 2025
“Ronaldo's presence from the beginning is a national project. He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football and has helped the league grow. We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us.” pic.twitter.com/Vl8yquQk3C
"Every now and then, a team appears in the media 'wanting' Cristiano, and currently there are 30 teams wanting Ronaldo!"
Cristiano Ronaldo's Next Club: Al Hilal, Fenerbahce, Sporting CP latest
Hierro's update indicates the case it not closed on Ronaldo with two options available for Al Nassr - secure an unexpected renewal agreement or block Ronaldo's exit to join a new team before July.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has previously hinted at his intention to play on past his 41st birthday in February 2026 in order to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
However, club priorities will take centre stage for Ronaldo, with five likely options for him, ahead of FIFA's deadline of June 10 for new players to be registered to compete at the Club World Cup in the USA.
Ronaldo has been linked with a move to MLS - with Los Angeles FC hinted as an option - but that could hinge on their Club World Cup playoff result against Club America.
A move to Brazil has also been mooted by several sources, with four Brazilian sides competing at the tournament, but rumoured interest from Botafogo or Flamengo would mean a substantial pay cut.
Returning to Europe could mean a reunion with old boss Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce - or a switch back to his boyhood club Sporting CP - both of which would offer him another shot at the UEFA Champions League.
The most intriguing offer could come from closer to home, with Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal monitoring the situation with interest, after losing out to Al Ittihad in the 2024/25 title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo news and related links
- Cristiano Ronaldo drops big hint on Al Nassr future
- Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Luka Modric announcing Real Madrid departure
- Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr future in doubt as legend demands contract clarity