Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of making history once again—not just on the pitch but also off it. The football legend is reportedly set to extend his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, with an exciting new addition: partial ownership of the club.
Ronaldo’s New Contract With Al Nassr
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 from Manchester United, has become the face of the Saudi Pro League, bringing unparalleled global attention to the league. According to reports, the new deal will not only make him one of the highest-paid players in football history but will also include a 5% ownership stake in Al Nassr, allowing him to transition into a long-term role with the club as a co-owner.
Despite not winning silverware during his tenure so far, the 39-year-old is determined to change that narrative and lead Al Nassr to greater success.
Ronaldo Reflects On Life In Saudi Arabia
Speaking about his time in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has expressed satisfaction with his life and career there.
“I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country. Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there. We are still improving,” Ronaldo said.
He acknowledged the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, particularly against strong teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. “It’s hard to compete with teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting,” he added.
Impact on Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo’s presence has undeniably elevated the stature of the Saudi Pro League, attracting international stars like Sadio Mane and Aleksandar Mitrovic to the league. His transition into part ownership of Al Nassr could further revolutionize the league, fostering its growth both in terms of competitiveness and global visibility.
The Portuguese forward’s ambitions align with the club’s vision to become a dominant force in Asian football. His influence is not only visible on the field but also in the growing interest among fans and sponsors worldwide.
A High-Scoring Start to 2025
Ronaldo started the year 2025 with a bang, scoring his 11th goal of the season to lead Al Nassr to a 3-1 victory against Al-Okhdood. After falling behind early in the match, Ronaldo’s penalty just before halftime gave his team the lead. He remains a strong contender for the league’s top scorer, trailing only Aleksandar Mitrovic of Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo’s Vision for Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s decision to accept a partial ownership stake signifies his commitment to the club and his belief in its potential. “The most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract, and believe that things will change—for Al Nassr to try to win more titles,” Ronaldo stated.
Why Ronaldo’s Ownership Stake Matters
The decision to grant Ronaldo ownership stakes highlights Al Nassr’s intent to leverage his global appeal. A player of Ronaldo’s stature becoming a part-owner sends a message of ambition and growth for the Saudi Pro League.
• Global Branding: Ronaldo’s association as a co-owner will further solidify Al Nassr’s position as a globally recognized football club.
• Player Influence:His involvement in the club’s decisions could attract more international stars to the league.
• Legacy Building: This deal ensures Ronaldo’s legacy in Saudi football, allowing him to transition seamlessly from a player to a key stakeholder.
What This Means for Ronaldo and Al Nassr?
Becoming a co-owner could position Ronaldo as a pivotal figure in shaping the club’s future. His involvement in the club’s operations could attract more star players to Al Nassr and enhance its brand value globally.
As the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to rewrite the rules of what a football career can look like, his new role as part-owner of Al Nassr marks another milestone in his legendary career. The Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr, and Ronaldo himself stand to benefit immensely from this groundbreaking development.
Ronaldo’s legacy, both as a player and a visionary in football, continues to expand, promising an exciting future for Al Nassr and its fans.