Cristiano Ronaldo feels turning down the opportunity to play at the Club World Cup and signing a new two-year deal with Al Nassr gives him a better chance of success next season – and another shot at taking Portugal to World Cup glory.
Following Al Nassr’s final league game of the season last month, Ronaldo had posted on social media “the chapter is over”, which fuelled speculation the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was to leave the Saudi Pro League club.
The 40-year-old revealed teams had “reached out” over taking part in the Club World Cup in the United States, but he decided instead to extend his stay with Al Nassr, where his old contract was set to expire at the end of June.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks about AlNassr, Saudi Arabia, his life and ambitions.
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“I had some offers to play (Club) World Cup, but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long, because this is the season of the World Cup at the end,” Ronaldo told Al Nassr TV.
“I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr, but also for the national team, so this is why I decide to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to nothing (about the offers) and of course to be in this club, which I love.”
Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season after being knocked out of the Kings Cup and AFC Champions League, which saw the club part company with Italian manager Stefano Pioli.
A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together. 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/JRwwjEcSZR
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is reportedly to set to take over, and Al Nassr captain Ronaldo – who was leading scorer with 35 goals last season – feels the club can go on to challenge for top honours.
“I want to stay because I believe in the project, not (just) the next two years, but until 2034 which is the goal and will be the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, which I believe will be the most beautiful one ever,” said Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
“So I am happy – two years more, I want to fight with the best teams in Saudi to win the league. I believe and let’s see in the end of the day who is better.
“We know that what we did last season is not enough, but it is already past. We have to focus now in the present and the present is good.”
