Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025: From Saudi Star to Global Icon

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, continues to redefine what longevity looks like in elite sport. As of mid‑2025, he remains a central figure at Al‑Nassr and in Portugal’s national team, with contract negotiations and career milestones making headline news.

🔁 Signed Until 2027: Al‑Nassr Stays Loyal

• Ronaldo initially joined Al‑Nassr in January 2023 and has since been the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer

• In June 2025, he confirmed he will extend his contract through 2027, rejecting reported interest from other clubs

• The new deal reportedly pays around €400 million, ensuring he remains a key figure in Saudi football through his 42nd birthday

⚽ Current Form: Phenomenon at 40

• In the 2024–25 season, Ronaldo made 30 league appearances, scoring 25 goals and setting up 3 others

• He topped the league's scoring charts again and was crowned the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot winner

• Across 111 matches for Al‑Nassr, he has nearly a 1:1 goal ratio (99 goals), often without team silverware

🎖️ International Impact: Portugal’s Evergreen Leader

• Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, helping Portugal to a dramatic win over Spain

• He has 220 caps and remains determined to pursue further international success, including looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup

🛬 Transfer Speculation & Club World Cup Dreams

• With his Al‑Nassr deal expiring in June 2025, there was global buzz about potential Club World Cup appearances

• Despite tales of interest from clubs like Chelsea, Wydad Casablanca, Botafogo, Inter Miami, and Palmeiras, Ronaldo chose stability and loyalty—staying put to pursue domestic and international glory

• He reportedly dismissed short‑term offers aimed at securing a place in the FIFA Club World Cup

💰 Contract Breakdown & Financial Power

• Estimated extension is worth €400 million, including performance bonuses and possible club equity

• Ronaldo’s deal highlights both his market value and Saudi football’s financial ascent

🤝 Off-Pitch Influence: Global Ambassador

• Named Global Ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh—underscoring his crossover into digital sports

• Engages in high-profile interactions—he recently ended a brief public spat with UFC champion Ilia Topuria

📝 Highlight Moments & Legacy

• Goal machine: Over 935 career goals and chasing the 1,000‑goal milestone

• Golden Boot: Top scorer in Saudi Pro League, despite no league title for Al‑Nassr

• Team leader: A guiding force behind Ronaldo’s push for superstars like Kevin De Bruyne to join Al‑Nassr

🔭 What’s Next?

Club Landscape

• Al‑Nassr searches for a new manager (post‑Pioli) while rebuilding under Fernando Hierro’s technical oversight

• Ronaldo is expected to enter 2025–26 as the undisputed franchise icon and possibly prepare for another Club World Cup campaign

International Stage

• After winning the Nations League, Ronaldo and Portugal target UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2026 World Cup, where he may add to his accolades

Off‑Field Legacy

• Nearing Transition to global ambassador role and possibly into digital media, esports, and football administration

• The decision to stay at Al‑Nassr cements his football legacy across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

🔍 Summary Table