By Dickson | Africalivenews
Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Nassr has broken its silence on the future of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, as growing speculation surrounds the 40-year-old forward’s potential departure at the end of the current season.
In a public address on Thursday, the club’s sporting director Fernando Hierro finally addressed the swirling rumors, confirming that Al-Nassr is actively working to retain Ronaldo beyond the summer. His comments come amid reports linking the Portuguese legend with a sensational move to rival club Al Hilal, especially as he eyes a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence is not just about football,” Hierro stated, speaking to the media. “His arrival was a national project. He is a global phenomenon, and we are doing everything possible to keep him at the club. Discussions are ongoing regarding a contract extension.”
Ronaldo’s Contract Nearing Its End
Ronaldo is nearing the conclusion of his two-year contract with Al-Nassr, signed in late 2022 following his dramatic exit from Manchester United. His agreement with the Riyadh-based club is set to expire this summer, technically making him a free agent unless a new deal is reached.
Despite his age, Ronaldo’s statistics speak volumes: 93 goals in 105 appearances across all competitions. His impact has been nothing short of remarkable, helping boost the league’s global profile and driving fan engagement across Asia and the Middle East.
“Cristiano’s presence helped elevate the Saudi Pro League to new heights,” Hierro continued. “His influence extends beyond the pitch. He’s a symbol of excellence and professionalism, and he’s played a huge part in attracting international attention to the league.”
Performance Without Silverware
However, despite Ronaldo’s goal-scoring heroics, Al-Nassr ended the 2024/25 season without any major silverware, finishing third in the Saudi Pro League table. The lack of trophies has reportedly frustrated Ronaldo, who has made no secret of his desire to compete for top honors even in the twilight of his illustrious career.
According to insiders close to the club, Ronaldo has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in key matches that saw Al-Nassr fall behind title contenders Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
“There’s no doubt Cristiano wants to win,” said a source familiar with internal club discussions. “He is driven by success and was disappointed by how the season ended. This is a man who has built his legacy on lifting trophies, not just scoring goals.”
Transfer Rumors and Al Hilal Interest
The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future has led to speculation that he could switch sides within Saudi Arabia. Reports from local outlets have linked him with a potential move to Al Hilal—currently one of the region’s strongest clubs and a likely participant in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States.
Ronaldo is said to be eager to take part in the prestigious tournament, and joining a club guaranteed to qualify might increase his chances of one final appearance on the global stage.
Yet, Fernando Hierro was quick to dismiss the speculation, reiterating Al-Nassr’s firm stance: “We remain optimistic. Our communication with Cristiano and his representatives is strong, and our goal is to see him continue his journey here.”
The National Impact of Ronaldo’s Presence
Beyond the sporting aspect, Ronaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia has had cultural and economic implications. Since his arrival, Al-Nassr has seen a surge in ticket sales, merchandise, and global sponsorships. The league itself has attracted international broadcasting deals and attention, partly due to the star power Ronaldo brings.
According to Al Nassr Zone on X (formerly Twitter), Hierro acknowledged this broader impact in his full remarks: “Cristiano has helped transform the league. He’s inspired a generation of young footballers here and helped position Saudi football on the global map. We want that influence to continue.”
Fans React to the Uncertainty
As news of ongoing contract talks emerged, fans took to social media to express their hopes that Ronaldo remains with the club. Hashtags like #RenewCR7 and #RonaldoAlNassr trended throughout Thursday and Friday across various platforms.
“Cristiano is the heart of this team. Without him, we wouldn’t be on the world stage,” tweeted @SaudiNassrFan. “We need to build around him, not let him go.”
Another fan account, @MiddleEastCR7, posted a photo montage of Ronaldo’s top moments in Saudi Arabia with the caption: “Don’t let it end here. One more season, one more title. Let’s go again.”
What Lies Ahead?
Whether Ronaldo chooses to extend his stay with Al-Nassr or seek a new challenge elsewhere remains to be seen. His cryptic social media activity in recent weeks, including a now-viral message stating “This chapter is over,” has only added to the mystery, though it has yet to be clarified if he was referring to Al-Nassr or another aspect of his life.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, as the summer transfer window opens and clubs across the globe—including from Europe, the MLS, and Asia—watch closely.
For Al-Nassr, the goal is clear.
“We want Cristiano to stay,” said Hierro. “He is part of our vision, and we are committed to building a winning team around him.”
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