Al Nassr planning Cristiano Ronaldo talks over new contract that would keep him in Saudi Arabia past his 41st birthday
Al Nassr planning Cristiano Ronaldo talks over new contract that would keep him in Saudi Arabia past his 41st birthday
Ronaldo's current Al Nassr deal is due to expire next summer.
Al Nassr want to extend Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract to keep their record-breaking talisman until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 39-year-old finished the 2023/24 campaign on a high on Monday night by scoring two goals in a 4-2 win over Al-Ittihad.
That saw Ronaldo make Saudi Pro League history as he became the first player to score 35 goals in a single season.
But the former Real Madrid forward has still yet to win the league title since joining Al Nassr in January 2023.
Al-Hilal were crowned champions this season after winning 31, drawing three and losing none of their 34 league fixtures.
Ronaldo might get another two shots at the Saudi Pro League title if planned contract talks go well this summer.
Daily Briefing columnist Ben Jacobs reported via X.com on Monday night: “Understand Al-Nassr are planning talks this summer to extend Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract by a year.
“Ronaldo’s current deal runs until 2025, but Nassr and SPL officials want Ronaldo to sign a new deal.
“Central dealmakers also keen to keep Ronaldo through the 2025/26 season, since that falls within a new TV rights cycle.
“Ronaldo is understood to be open to the extra year, which could see him play beyond his 41st birthday.”
Ronaldo will celebrate his 40th birthday in February next year.
He will therefore be 41 and a half by the time the 2025/26 season ends.
Ronaldo was asked about his retirement plans back in January at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
His reply, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, was very tongue-in-cheek.
Ronaldo said with a wide grin: “The moment I feel I’m done, I’ll retire… maybe in 10 years?!”.
Since joining Al Nassr from Manchester United, Ronaldo has scored 64 goals in 69 appearances for the Riyadh club.
He has now netted 893 goals during his senior career, including 450 for Madrid, 145 for Man United and 128 for Portugal.
