Ronaldo to stay at Al Nassr? 'Nothing will change'

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will remain at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, ending speculation about his future. His current contract expires on June 30th, but he stated, "Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes," after winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. This confirmation came despite reported interest from clubs participating in the Club World Cup and an unnamed lucrative offer from a Brazilian club, as well as reported interest from Saudi rivals Al Hilal.

Al Nassr's sporting director, Fernando Hierro, acknowledged last month that the club was negotiating a contract extension with Ronaldo but faced competition to retain him. Ronaldo had previously hinted at a potential departure after Al Nassr's final match of the season, posting on social media, "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written."

Despite Ronaldo's individual success at Al Nassr, where he finished as the Saudi Pro League's top scorer for the second consecutive season with 25 goals this campaign and has scored 99 goals in 105 matches overall, the club finished third and missed out on AFC Champions League qualification. Since joining in December 2022, his only major trophy with the club is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

However, Ronaldo recently lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal, his third international title after captaining them to victory at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. He scored his 138th international goal in the final against Spain, which Portugal won 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Ronaldo expressed deep emotion about winning for Portugal, stating, "Winning for Portugal is always special... I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy."