BREAKING NEWS: Cristiano Ronaldo Agrees to Extend Al-Nassr Contract, Snubs Potential Neymar Link-Up at Al-Hilal to Remain ‘Highest-Paid Player in Football History’
BREAKING NEWS: Cristiano Ronaldo Agrees to Extend Al-Nassr Contract, Snubs Potential Neymar Link-Up at Al-Hilal to Remain ‘Highest-Paid Player in Football History’
January 14, 2025 — In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to extend his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, officially putting to rest speculation about his potential move to arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Sources close to the player confirmed the news late this evening, signaling a significant boost for Al-Nassr and a setback for Al-Hilal, who had reportedly been in advanced talks with the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo, 39, has been a transformative figure for Saudi football since his high-profile move to Al-Nassr in December 2022. Despite initial skepticism about his ability to perform in a lesser-known league, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has delivered consistently for the club, helping them secure titles and leading the charge for the development of football in the region. His influence has not only increased the global profile of the Saudi Pro League but has also solidified his place as the highest-paid athlete in the world, with his current contract reportedly worth around €200 million annually.
The decision to extend his deal, reportedly running through to 2027, is a clear sign of Ronaldo’s continued ambition to cement his legacy as the dominant player in the sport. A source close to the player stated that the new contract will include several performance-based incentives, and perhaps most notably, a major clause ensuring Ronaldo maintains his status as the highest-paid footballer in the world.
The deal, however, also ensures that Ronaldo’s time at Al-Nassr will not be cut short by the temptation of joining arch-rivals Al-Hilal, who had recently emerged as potential suitors in a blockbuster move. Rumors had circulated that Neymar, the Brazilian superstar who is currently in negotiations to leave Paris Saint-Germain, could potentially be linked with a move to Al-Hilal to join Ronaldo. Sources inside Al-Hilal hinted that the club had been working on a potential partnership between the two superstars that could have rocked the footballing world.
However, Ronaldo’s decision to remain in Riyadh and commit his future to Al-Nassr likely stems from several key factors, including his comfort and leadership role at the club. With Al-Nassr currently leading the Saudi Pro League table and looking to make deep runs in continental competitions, Ronaldo remains the focal point of the team’s success. The prospect of building the future of the club around his experience and unrelenting drive to win seems to have outweighed the allure of a high-profile reunion with Neymar, who is also being courted by several top clubs in Europe and the Middle East.
A statement from Ronaldo, issued through Al-Nassr’s official channels, read: “I am extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together at Al-Nassr so far. The ambition, the passion, and the commitment from this club have been incredible, and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey here. I want to remain the highest-paid footballer in history, and I believe Al-Nassr offers me the opportunity to keep growing, both as a player and as a leader in this team. The future is bright, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Al-Nassr’s management expressed their delight at the extension, with club president Musalli Al-Muammar calling Ronaldo’s decision “a monumental moment in the history of the club.” The statement continued, “Cristiano is more than a player; he is a global ambassador for Saudi football. His commitment to Al-Nassr speaks volumes about the vision we have for the future and the extraordinary potential we have as a team.”
While the Neymar link-up at Al-Hilal is now in doubt, the next few days will likely reveal further developments regarding the Brazilian star’s future.
