Cristiano Ronaldo rejects offers and is close to renewing with Al-Nassr until 2027

Cristiano Ronaldo, global football star, is days away from defining his future with Al-Nassr, the Saudi club where he has played since 2023. With his current contract expiring on June 30, 2025, the 40-year-old is negotiating a renewal that could extend his stay until 2027, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. The decision comes amid club changes, such as the recent dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli, announced on June 25, after a titleless season. The Portuguese star, who has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Riyadh, made internal demands to sign the new deal while rejecting offers from other clubs, including Brazilian teams in the Club World Cup. Final details are expected to be finalized soon, ensuring CR7’s continuation in Saudi football.

The Portuguese icon is at a pivotal moment in his career. After winning the Nations League with Portugal in June 2025, Ronaldo signaled his intent to stay with Al-Nassr, stating in an interview that “nothing will change.” This statement, reported by Portuguese newspapers, underscores his preference for a competitive environment as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, likely his last.

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Ronaldo’s journey at Al-Nassr, while marked by impressive stats, also reflects collective challenges. Since joining, he has played 111 matches, scored 99 goals, and provided 19 assists, but won only one title: the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. The 2024/2025 season ended with the club in third in the Saudi League, missing the next Asian Champions League, which contributed to Pioli’s exit.

• Factors influencing Ronaldo’s decision:
• Saudi league’s competitiveness for his 2026 World Cup preparation.
• Demands for reinforcements and technical staff changes.
• Financial stability and commercial sponsorship deals.

🚨🇵🇹 BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo set to sign new deal at Al Nassr as formal documents are being checked.

Final detail being discussed: one or two year deal, concrete possibility to make it happen until June 2027 if Cristiano wants.

Massive move for SPL to keep Cristiano. pic.twitter.com/Aw1dyKPUNO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025

Changes in technical leadership

Al-Nassr’s announcement of Stefano Pioli’s dismissal on social media marked a turning point in the club’s restructuring to meet Ronaldo’s demands. The Italian, who took over in September 2024 after Luís Castro, led the team in 44 matches, with 28 wins, seven draws, and nine losses. Despite a 68.9% win rate, the lack of titles and a semifinal exit in the Asian Champions League against Kawasaki Frontale (3-2) disappointed fans and management.

Pioli, known for winning the 2021/2022 Italian Championship with Milan, failed to replicate that success in Saudi Arabia. His departure paves the way for a new coach, with names like Jorge Jesus and Sérgio Conceição being speculated in international media. The next coach’s selection will be crucial to align the sporting project with Ronaldo’s ambitions, who seeks collective success before retiring.

Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Al-Nassr plans significant investments for the next season. Beyond upgrading Al-Awwal Park stadium, there are rumors of high-profile signings to bolster the squad, which already includes stars like Sadio Mané, Wesley Teixeira, and Anderson Talisca.

Ronaldo’s demands for renewal

To accept the new contract, Ronaldo outlined specific conditions to Al-Nassr’s board. Though details remain undisclosed, sources close to the club suggest he requested improvements in technical staff and squad reinforcements. Pioli’s exit may be a direct response to these demands, signaling the club’s willingness to accommodate the star to secure his stay.

Another negotiation point is taxation. After two years in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo will lose tax benefits that lowered his income tax burden. According to A Bola, this sparked internal discussions, but it’s unlikely to derail the renewal. Al-Nassr, with over 100 million euros in annual sponsorship revenue, can offer a competitive salary, estimated at 200 million euros per year, including commercial deals.

• Ronaldo’s key demands:
• Hiring a renowned international coach.
• Signings to boost squad competitiveness.
• Infrastructure and planning investment guarantees.
• Contract adjustments to offset tax changes.

Rejected offers and focus on Al-Nassr

In recent weeks, Ronaldo received inquiries from Club World Cup teams, including Brazilian, European, and Asian clubs. However, none progressed. FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested Ronaldo could play for another team in the tournament, but the player dismissed the idea, reaffirming his commitment to Al-Nassr.

Staying in Riyadh aligns with Ronaldo’s strategy to maintain global visibility while preparing for the World Cup. The Saudi League, though less prestigious than European competitions, offers a competitive schedule and media exposure, valued by Ronaldo, who remains one of the world’s most influential athletes.

The rejection of offers also ties to family stability. Ronaldo, living in Saudi Arabia with his wife, Georgina Rodríguez, and children, has adapted to Riyadh’s lifestyle. The club’s infrastructure, including luxury residences and security, weighs in his decision.

Ronaldo’s weight in the Saudi project

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has transformed the club into one of Asia’s most recognized. His presence attracted global sponsors and boosted the Saudi League’s audience, now competing with other emerging leagues. His initial two-and-a-half-year contract included an ambassador role for Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid, alongside Egypt and Greece.

Ronaldo’s on-field numbers cement his relevance. With 99 goals in 111 games, he is Al-Nassr’s all-time top scorer and won four individual scoring titles in Saudi Arabia. Despite no major titles last season, his near one-goal-per-game average keeps him a protagonist.

Al-Nassr faces pressure to match the expectations set by Ronaldo’s signing. The lack of titles in 2024/2025, early King’s Cup exit, and third-place league finish led to criticism of the club’s management, culminating in CEO Majed Jaman Al-Sorour’s dismissal on June 16, 2025.

Rumors about the next coach

The search for Pioli’s replacement is a hot topic around Al-Nassr. According to Footmercato, Jorge Jesus, former Al-Hilal and Flamengo coach, is the leading candidate. Jesus, who left Al-Hilal in 2024, is known for his offensive style and familiarity with Saudi football, where he won major titles.

Sérgio Conceição, former Porto and Milan coach, is another name mentioned. If hired, his connection with Ronaldo and Otávio, both Portuguese, could ease the transition. Luciano Spalletti, ex-Italy coach, was approached but declined an 18-million-euro-per-season offer, per Sportitalia.

• Coaching candidates:
• Jorge Jesus: Saudi football experience and Al-Hilal titles.
• Sérgio Conceição: successful Porto tenure and Portuguese player ties.
• Other European coaches, preferably with attacking profiles.

Preparing for the next season

With Ronaldo’s renewal on track, Al-Nassr is planning for 2025/2026. The club aims to reclaim the Saudi League title, lost to Al-Hilal in the last two seasons, and secure an Asian Champions League spot. The board is betting on strategic signings and infrastructure upgrades.

Al-Awwal Park stadium, with a 25,000-fan capacity, will undergo renovations to meet FIFA standards, supporting the 2030 World Cup bid. The club also plans international friendlies in the preseason, potentially against European teams, to raise the squad’s competitive level.

Ronaldo, even at 40, maintains a rigorous training routine. His physical preparation and big-stage experience are seen as key to leading Al-Nassr to titles.

Ronaldo’s off-field impact

Beyond sports, Ronaldo remains a commercial powerhouse. His presence at Al-Nassr secured sponsorships with global brands like Nike and local companies, leveraging his image to expand their reach. The club profits from sales of his number 7 jersey and a growing social media fanbase.

Ronaldo’s influence extends to Riyadh’s tourism. Since his arrival, international visitors to the capital have increased, driven by sports events and curiosity to see him play. This aligns with the PIF’s strategy to use football as soft power.

Ronaldo’s legacy at Al-Nassr

At 40, Ronaldo continues to break records and defy expectations. His Al-Nassr stint, regardless of collective results, is already historic. He nears 100 goals for the club, a milestone likely to be hit early next season.

If confirmed, the contract renewal will be another chapter in the career of one of history’s greatest athletes. For Al-Nassr, keeping Ronaldo means global relevance but also pressure for results. Fans hope a new coach and potential signings will help the club win titles and solidify its Asian football status.