Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s greatest football stars, announced on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the extension of his contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia until 2027. The new deal, securing the Portuguese star an annual salary of approximately $250 million, drew a playful jab from goalkeeper David de Gea, a former teammate at Manchester United. The exchange between the two players caused a stir on social media, while the contract underscores Ronaldo’s commitment to the Saudi club’s ambitious project. The renewal comes amid speculation about Ronaldo’s future, as the 40-year-old continues to chase historic milestones, such as his 1,000th career goal. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, is banking on reinforcements and restructuring to keep the striker on board.
The renewal was celebrated by Al-Nassr on social media with images of the player and messages emphasizing his importance to the club. Ronaldo, already the highest-paid athlete globally, will see a salary increase, 15% ownership in the club, and bonuses for meeting specific targets. The announcement ended months of uncertainty about the Portuguese star’s future, especially after a trophyless season and the club’s elimination from the Asian Champions League.
The moment was also marked by De Gea’s quip, as he took to social media to tease his friend. “Playing for free?” the goalkeeper wrote sarcastically, referencing Ronaldo’s massive salary. The jab, seen as a nod to their friendship, quickly went viral, with fans commenting on the chemistry between the former Manchester United teammates.
- Contract details: The new deal includes an annual salary of €209 million, a $35 million signing bonus, and club shares.
- Al-Nassr record: Since 2023, Ronaldo has played 111 matches, scoring 99 goals and providing 19 assists.
- Buzz: The news gained traction, with De Gea’s joke and the contract’s financial scope stealing the spotlight.
New chapter at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract extension with Al-Nassr is more than just a continuation. The Saudi club, which has invested heavily in signings in recent years, sees the Portuguese star as the cornerstone of a project aiming to dominate Asian football. Since joining in January 2023, Ronaldo has boosted the Saudi league’s global profile, attracting stars like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, and Wesley Teixeira.
The new contract, running until 2027, ensures Ronaldo will play at least until age 42. European media reports suggest the deal includes promises of new signings for the upcoming season to boost the team’s performance in domestic and international competitions. The departure of coach Stefano Pioli, announced days before the renewal, also signals changes within the club.
Ronaldo’s time at Al-Nassr, while marked by impressive stats, has yet to yield major titles. His only trophy was the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, a lesser regional competition. The lack of success in the Saudi Pro League and Asian Champions League weighed on negotiations, but the club secured Ronaldo with a robust financial and sporting package.
De Gea’s playful jab
The bond between Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea, forged during their years at Manchester United, shone through in the interaction that stole the show after the renewal announcement. De Gea, a free agent since leaving United in 2023, couldn’t resist poking fun at his friend. His social media post sparked laughter and comments from fans, who recalled moments when the duo shared the locker room at Old Trafford.
De Gea’s quip also reignited speculation about his own future. At 34, the Spanish goalkeeper has been linked to various clubs, including a potential move to Al-Nassr at Ronaldo’s suggestion. While nothing is confirmed, the exchange fueled rumors of a possible reunion in Saudi Arabia.
Billion-dollar salary in focus
Ronaldo’s new Al-Nassr contract has set a new financial benchmark in global football. With an annual salary of €209 million, roughly $250 million, the Portuguese star remains the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Forbes. The deal also includes:
- Signing bonus: A one-time payment of €28.7 million ($35 million).
- Club shares: Ronaldo will hold a 15% stake in Al-Nassr.
- Performance bonuses: Additional payments for goals, assists, and team trophies.
- Extra perks: Sponsorships and commercial deals tied to the player.
This figure dwarfs the salaries of other top athletes, such as Lionel Messi, who reportedly earns around €70 million annually at Inter Miami. The contract’s financial structure reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in football, aiming to position its league as a global powerhouse.
Social media reactions
Ronaldo’s renewal and De Gea’s quip dominated online conversations. Al-Nassr fans celebrated the star’s commitment, while others debated whether the investment will translate to on-field success. De Gea’s joke was shared thousands of times, with memes and comments highlighting the duo’s friendship.
Manchester United supporters reminisced about Ronaldo and De Gea’s time at the club, where they won the Premier League and Champions League together. The exchange also sparked discussions about the financial scale of Saudi football contracts, with some praising Al-Nassr’s long-term vision and others questioning the hefty sums.
Chase for the 1,000th goal
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. With 938 official career goals, he is 62 shy of the historic 1,000-goal mark, a feat unprecedented in professional football. The Al-Nassr extension gives him two more seasons to achieve this milestone, which he has publicly set as a key target.
In the 2024/25 season, Ronaldo has scored 20 goals in 18 matches for Al-Nassr, proving he remains in top physical form. His near goal-per-game average at the club fuels confidence that he can reach the milestone before the contract ends. He also remains a key figure for Portugal, having won the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Al-Nassr’s overhaul
Ronaldo’s decision to stay is tied to promises of a club overhaul. After a disappointing season, finishing third in the Saudi Pro League and exiting the Asian Champions League in the quarterfinals, Al-Nassr announced changes. The sacking of Stefano Pioli paved the way for speculation about Jorge Jesus, former Flamengo coach, as a potential replacement.
The club is also planning major signings for the next season. Names like Casemiro, a Manchester United midfielder, have been floated, especially after Ronaldo reportedly endorsed his acquisition. Led by Fernando Hierro, Al-Nassr’s board is working to build a competitive squad capable of contending for domestic and continental titles.
Saudi football landscape
Ronaldo’s renewal underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global football. Since his arrival in 2023, the Saudi Pro League has attracted stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, along with renowned coaches. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the government’s investment aims to elevate the league’s quality and promote the country as a global sports hub.
Despite its rise, the league faces challenges, including inconsistent competitiveness and reliance on foreign stars. Al-Nassr, for instance, has struggled to break Al-Hilal’s dominance, the current Saudi and Asian champions. Ronaldo’s renewal signals the club’s determination to overcome these hurdles through continued investment.
Ronaldo and the Club World Cup
Although Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup due to their Asian Champions League exit, Ronaldo received offers from other clubs to participate in the tournament. Teams like Fluminense from Brazil and Boca Juniors from Argentina made inquiries, but talks did not progress. His decision to stay with Al-Nassr reflects a focus on stability and the club’s long-term vision.
The club’s absence from the Club World Cup fueled earlier rumors of Ronaldo’s potential departure. However, the new contract and promises of reinforcements appear to have convinced the star to continue his journey in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s legacy
With five Ballon d’Or awards and a career full of records, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure in world football. His stint at Al-Nassr, while lacking the trophies of his Real Madrid or Manchester United days, has already made a significant impact. Ronaldo has elevated the Saudi league’s profile, drawing global attention and inspiring a new generation of fans in the Middle East.
At 40, Ronaldo maintains a rigorous training and fitness regimen, allowing him to compete at an elite level. His dedication and ambition, evident in his pursuit of the 1,000th goal, continue to impress teammates, fans, and rivals. The Al-Nassr renewal marks another chapter in the story of one of the greatest athletes of all time.
