Cristiano Ronaldo Is Still Box Office In Saudi Arabia

When Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in late 2022, the football world saw it as the start of his final chapter, a graceful descent into retirement, far from Europe’s top leagues.  Two and a half years later, at the age of 40, Ronaldo is not slowing down. He is taking center stage and stealing the show yet again. If anything, the man who has defined an entire generation of football is proving that time has no power over his legacy.

This past week’s Saudi Pro League awards night felt like another personal tribute to Ronaldo’s brilliance. The Portuguese legend walked away with not one, not two, but three major honors. First, he was named the Fans’ Player of the Season, an award driven by supporters and awarded to the player with the most man-of-the-match performances. Ronaldo racked up 15 of those from just 30 league appearances; no one else in the division even came close.

Accomplishments Of Ronaldo

He also scooped the Goal of the Season award, earning 19% of the public vote. That strike, an audacious volley in Matchweek 27 against Al Riyadh, was special, lashed into the top corner with the kind of precision that makes you forget he has been playing professionally for over two decades. That goal helped secure a crucial 2-1 win for Al-Nassr and reminded everyone that the old master still has magic in his boots.

Let’s not forget the most impressive stat of all, 25 goals in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season, making him the league’s top scorer. Yes, at 40. Most players are long retired at this age, but Ronaldo continues to lead like a man on a mission. There is no slowing down. He looks more determined than ever.

The King Stays

As speculation went around his future, Ronaldo ended all doubt with a powerful statement: He’s not done yet. He’s just signed a new two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, a deal that will see him stay at the club until at least 2027, past his 42nd birthday. It is not just any contract. This one is reportedly worth a staggering £492 million ($668 million), making it the most lucrative sports contract in history.

It is not just about the money, though. This extension speaks to Ronaldo’s commitment to something deeper. He’s bought into Al-Nassr’s project. He believes in the team and, most of all, he’s taken the responsibility of being the face of an entire league. In his own words, “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.” 

What is also remarkable is how much influence he now carries in Saudi football. Reports suggest Ronaldo had a say in Al-Nassr’s managerial search, pushing for the appointment of Jorge Jesus, a fellow Portuguese coach. Whether directly or indirectly, Ronaldo is shaping not only his team but also the narrative of football in the region.

More Than a Player

Since arriving in the Middle East, Ronaldo has scored an astonishing 93 goals and assisted 19 more in 105 appearances. When you add international matches and cup games, that number goes up to 99 goals in 111 games, just shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. He is now at approximately 938 career goals, and you would be brave to bet against him reaching four digits before calling it a day.

Perhaps his greatest impact goes beyond the pitch. Ronaldo has helped put the Saudi Pro League on the global football map. Broadcast deals, sponsorship interest, and ticket sales have all surged since his arrival. Stadiums get full. Viewership is up, and young fans in the Gulf region have someone to idolize in real time, week in and week out.

His influence is so profound that Al-Nassr’s sporting director recently called him a “national project.” Ronaldo has become a symbol of ambition for Saudi football, a nation determined to compete with the best, not just in sport but in global recognition.

Final Thoughts

In a world obsessed with what’s next, Cristiano Ronaldo is still very much in the moment. Every goal, every celebration, every match he plays feels like a live event you can’t miss. In Saudi Arabia, where the heat is relentless and the expectations even higher now, he continues to deliver with the kind of passion and professionalism that made him a global icon in the first place.