Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his intention to live in Saudi Arabia for the rest of his life, citing his ambition to win a major title with his club Al Nassr as a key reason behind renewing his contract.
Ronaldo also explained his decision to skip the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, saying he wants to be fully prepared for the upcoming season.
He described Saudi Arabia as a wonderful country to live in, emphasizing its peace and security.
On Thursday, Al Nassr announced that the Portuguese captain had extended his contract until 2027, committing to stay beyond his 42nd birthday.
Ronaldo joined the Saudi club on a two-and-a-half-year free transfer in 2022 after leaving Manchester United. Since then, he has scored 99 goals across all competitions.
Ronaldo Extoles Crown Prince
In a video released on Al Nassr’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ronaldo praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his pivotal role in the kingdom’s development.
“I must thank Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the great work and effort he is doing,” Ronaldo said. “He is the most influential figure behind this significant change and progress in Saudi Arabia.”
The striker added, “The development here is huge, and the future looks bright. Yes, I am Portuguese, but I belong to Saudi Arabia.”
Contract Extension
On his contract renewal, Ronaldo said, “From day one, I have taken responsibility for change—not just at Al Nassr, but for Saudi football as a whole.”
He explained his decision to extend his stay was motivated by his desire to win titles with Al Nassr and his strong belief that he will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.
Regarding his refusal to participate in the Club World Cup, Ronaldo stated, “The next season is long and ends with the World Cup for national teams, so I preferred to rest and better prepare for what’s coming.”
Ronaldo also praised the Saudi Professional League as one of the top five leagues globally and affirmed his commitment to stay until 2034 to witness the success of the Saudi football project and the hosting of the World Cup in the kingdom.
“I love the Saudi people, and my great relationship with Al Nassr fans is one of the main reasons I renewed my contract,” he said.
Reflecting on last season, Ronaldo acknowledged the club’s disappointments but promised, “We weren’t happy with what happened last season, but we will be much stronger next season.”
Family Support
In a video posted on Al Nassr’s YouTube channel, Ronaldo shared, “My family always supports my decisions. We are happy here in Saudi Arabia, living a beautiful life. The Saudis treat us incredibly well, and that’s why we want to live and spend our lives here.”
“My goal is always to win important titles with Al Nassr. I still believe in that, which is why I renewed my contract for two more years—I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Although Ronaldo helped Al Nassr win the King Salman Club Cup, he has yet to lead the club to other major trophies.
This month, Ronaldo played a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph, scoring in the final against Spain before Portugal won on penalties against the European champions.
The all-time top scorer for Portugal concluded, “We don’t need to prove anything or convince anyone to come to Saudi Arabia. I am here on the Red Sea because I love it—my family feels at peace here. It’s not just about the tourist destinations, but Riyadh, Jeddah, and others. I love the culture here, and all I can say is that people should come see it with their own eyes.”
