Al Nassr Archives

Cristiano Ronaldo set for Al Nassr return after resolving dispute: sources

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action for Al Nassr after bringing an end to his recent dispute with the Saudi Pro League club, sources told ESPN Brasil.

The Portugal captain had missed two matches, Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad on Friday and last week’s win against Al Riyadh, amid reported frustration over issues involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its role in the club’s affairs.

Sources indicated that Ronaldo has now decided to rejoin the squad and is set to feature in Al Nassr’s league clash against Al Fateh on February 14.

The Riyadh-based side are also scheduled to play Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday.

Reports suggested Ronaldo’s absence stemmed from dissatisfaction with the PIF’s involvement in transfer dealings and broader club management.

The situation intensified after Al Nassr’s rivals, Al Hilal, also majority-owned by the PIF, secured the signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, from Al Ittihad during the January transfer window.

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However, the matter appears to have been resolved after Ronaldo’s key concerns were addressed.

According to sources, overdue salaries at Al Nassr were cleared, and authority was restored to the club’s senior management.

Sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo, who had previously been suspended, have reportedly resumed their duties.

Ronaldo has been in impressive form this season, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances across competitions.

Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal, keeping the title race finely poised.

Last week, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement stressing that no individual player could influence decisions beyond their club, reiterating that all teams operate independently under the same regulatory and financial framework.

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Cristiano Ronaldo sits out second straight Al Nassr match

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo missed his second consecutive match for Al Nassr on Friday, with reports linking his absence to an ongoing dispute involving the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward has not featured since Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Ittihad and was also unavailable for Monday’s victory against Al Riyadh.

While the club had expected their star striker to return, international media suggested Ronaldo remained unhappy over unfulfilled promises regarding changes to Al Nassr’s management structure.

Speculation around his absence had already surfaced earlier in the week, with some reports pointing to frustration over the club’s activity, or lack thereof, in the January transfer window.

Ronaldo was reportedly disappointed by the level of support provided to strengthen the squad, particularly after his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema joined rivals Al Ittihad.

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Despite the uncertainty, Al Nassr supporters made their feelings clear at Al-Awwal Park. In a show of loyalty, fans raised yellow placards bearing Ronaldo’s name and iconic No. 7 during the seventh minute of the match.

Amid the growing narrative, the Saudi Pro League released a firm statement on Thursday, stressing that no individual player holds influence beyond his own club.

“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,” the statement read.

On the pitch, Al Nassr continued their strong run, climbing to second place in the standings with their latest win, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s new Al Nassr contract details revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a staggering new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, with details emerging that make it the most lucrative contract in sporting history.

According to a report by The Sun, the fresh terms are worth a basic £492 million over two years, which breaks down to a jaw-dropping £488,000 per day in base salary alone.

The renewed deal will see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continue with Al Nassr past his 42nd birthday.

The Portuguese superstar is also set to receive a £24.5 million signing bonus, which increases to £38 million if he activates the second year of the deal.

On top of that, Ronaldo has been handed a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, reportedly valued at £33 million.

Ronaldo’s new role will also include serving as a “dream ambassador” for the Kingdom, a position that could push his overall earnings well beyond £500 million over the course of the contract.

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If he bags further bonuses for achievements such as winning the Saudi Pro League and finishing as the top scorer, he’s set to comfortably eclipse the half-a-billion-pound mark.

Beyond the astronomical salary, Ronaldo’s lifestyle will continue to be supported by Al Nassr.

The club is reportedly covering the wages of a 16-person entourage, including three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners, and four security personnel, costing around £1.4 million.

There’s also a £4 million allowance for private jet usage, along with commercial deals with Saudi companies projected to bring in an additional £60 million.

It’s worth mentioning that Cristiano Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 appearances for Al Nassr last season and was the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the second year running.

He now has 99 goals in 111 games for the club and remains in pursuit of a historic 1,000 career goals, currently sitting on 938.

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Al Nassr provides major update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,” the club wrote in a post on X.

Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: “Al Nassr forever”.

Ronaldo later posted a message on his Instagram, confirming the extension.

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” read the post.

The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country.

Last month, Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month.

The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

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Ronaldo’s announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal — on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.

Although Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.

Last year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.

For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d’Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom.

However, the oil-fuelled Saudi football project has drawn comparisons with the Chinese Super League, which imported players on exorbitant salaries until team owners went bust as the Chinese economy fizzled.

But with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, and desperate to re-model itself as a tourism and business magnet before global oil demand falls for good, there is probably more to come from the Pro League.

Ronaldo appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he first moved to Riyadh’s Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million at the time

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Saudis in ‘difficult’ talks to keep Ronaldo next season: PIF source

Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.

Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” overnight Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

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A special transfer window opens from June 1-10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week said, “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the enlarged tournament in the United States starting on June 14.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United, and his contract expires at the end of next month.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.

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Ronaldo reaches deal with Al Nassr to extend contract: source

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an agreement with Al Nassr to extend his contract by another year until June 2026, an official with the Saudi club told AFP on Monday.

The official said the sides have agreed on the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, “but it has not been signed yet. An announcement will be made over the coming days”.

Ronaldo turned 40 last week with his current contract due to end in June 2025.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and has since scored 82 goals in 90 matches.

In August, Ronaldo said he would stay with Al Nassr through the end of his professional career, which may be “soon or in two or three years”.

“But it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr, in the team that makes me happy… and where I feel good.”

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The Portuguese great appeared to trade an end-of-career payday for football obscurity when he moved to Riyadh’s Al Nassr two years ago in a deal said to be worth $250 million.

But his influence became clear when he was followed by a parade of ageing superstars to the big-spending Saudi Pro League.

Saudi Arabia was then awarded the 2034 World Cup in December, the crowning glory for the oil-rich kingdom’s strategy of revamping its image through sports, tourism and culture.

When Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel in August, he gained one million subscribers in just 90 minutes and 20 million within 24 hours. He currently has 73.5 million.

Although World Cup glory has probably eluded him, unlike his Argentine rival Lionel Messi, records still dangle in front of the five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner.

Despite his prodigious form as he closes in on 1,000 professional goals in official matches, Ronaldo is yet to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, with the Arab Club Champions Cup of 2023 his only triumph with the club.

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Cristiano Ronaldo receives red card amidst Al-Nassr’s loss against Al-Hilal

ABUD DHABI: Veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card during Al-Nassr’s 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Monday.

The star player received marching orders four minutes before the final time as he elbowed opponent defender Ali Hadi Mohammed Al-Bulaihi in frustration as his team was heading towards a 2-0 loss.

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, however, scored a consolation goal for Al-Nassr in injury time to reduce the deficit.

Al-Nassr’s manager, Castro criticized the decision and accused Al-Bulaihi of acting to get Ronaldo sent off.

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“The decision was incorrect,” said Castro. “The Al Hilal defender pretended that he was hit in the face, and it was a play on his part, and the contact was small, and they took advantage of Ronaldo’s provocation.”

“The VAR referee was supposed to call the main referee, and this is my personal opinion.”

Earlier, Al-Hilal drew first blood in the 62nd minute courtesy of Salem Al-Dawsari finding Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross and sending the ball smoothly into the net.

The defending champions’ lead was extended ten minutes later as Michael’s long cross found Malcolm, who headed the ball to get his name on the scoresheet.

Al-Hilal will face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday, aiming for their fourth title.

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Ronaldo tells referee to overturn penalty he won in AFC Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo convinced the referee to change his mind after awarding him a penalty in Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League 0-0 draw with Iran’s Persepolis.

The 38-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid great appeared to have been brought down by Soroush Rafiei inside the box and Chinese referee Ma Ning pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo leapt to his feet and approached the referee, wagging his finger, shaking his head and telling him there had been no foul.

After consulting VAR, the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor and reversed his decision in the Group E clash in Riyadh.

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The Saudi Pro League side had to play most of the match with 10 men after Ali Lajami was given a straight red card for a shin-raking challenge in the 17th minute.

They also lost Ronaldo to a neck injury with 13 minutes remaining, caused by Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand landing on the Portuguese star when claiming a high ball.

But the 2018 and 2020 Champions League runners-up from Iran were unable to capitalise, the point proving enough for Al Nassr to seal their place in the knockout stages as group winners.

Ronaldo has little time to recover with Al Nassr facing Al Hilal on Friday in a top-of-the-table league clash.

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Ronaldo stunners edge AFC Champions League seven-goal thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years to score two stunning goals and propel his Al Nassr side to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Al Duhail of Qatar in the AFC Champions League.

Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca also scored for the Saudi side late Tuesday as they made it three wins from three in the group stages of the premier Asian club competition.

Talisca opened the scoring in Riyadh from the edge of the box in the 25th minute after being teed up by the 38-year-old Ronaldo’s clever back-heeled flick as the Portuguese talisman went through his full repertoire of tricks.

Mane turned and drilled home to add a second 11 minutes after the break and Al Nassr appeared to be cruising when Ronaldo curled home a sumptuous third from outside the box to make it 3-0 five minutes later.

But the Qatari side, inspired by former Barcelona and Liverpool winger Philippe Coutinho, scored twice in the next six minutes through Ismail Mohamad and Almoez Ali to leave the game on a knife-edge.

With nine minutes remaining, Ronaldo appeared to have had the final say as he sprinted onto a long ball from Sultan Al Ghannam and lashed home a superb left-foot volley without breaking stride.

There was still time for another twist as Michael Olunga pulled it back to 4-3 in the 85th minute to ensure a nervous final few minutes.

“When you face Ronaldo, there isn’t much you can do,” said Al Duhail manager Christophe Galtier, who was in charge of French giants Paris Saint-Germain last season.

“He scored two beautiful goals. I’m at a loss for words to describe him. What he did today is extraordinary for a 38-year-old. He’s still the best player in the world.”

Another Riyadh-based side, Al Hilal, made light of being without their injured superstar Neymar as they thrashed India’s Mumbai City 6-0 with two goals from former Fulham frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic.

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Al Nassr come from behind to snatch Asian Champions League spot

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr qualified for the Asian Champions League group stage after they secured an injury-time victory against Shabab Al Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The Saudi Pro League side came from behind to triumph 4-2 in the play-off at Mrsool Park, with Brazilian Anderson Talisca scoring twice and Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic rounding off the win.

Al Nassr had been two minutes from exiting the tournament.

The result means Al Nassr, runners-up domestically last season, move into the group phase, which begins next month.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, was making his debut in Asian football’s top club competition after signing for the Riyadh club last December.

Al Nassr opened the scoring in 11 minutes when Taslica headed home a Brozovic corner. However, Yahya Al Ghassani levelled for UAE champions Shabab Al Ahli seven minutes later, the winger slotting the ball into the Nassr net after the Dubai side countered.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, left the pitch at half-time clearly frustrated and could be seen arguing with the referee. The Portuguese star, the Nassr captain, believed he should have had two penalties in the first half.

Then, one minute after half-time, Al Ghassani raced clear of the Al Nassr defence to flick the ball over Nawaf Al Aqidi and put Shabab Al Ahli in front.

However, Al Nassr equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam’s header was diverted into his own goal by Walid Abbas.

Al Nassr’s comeback was complete five minutes into the allotted seven minutes of injury time, with Talisca nodding home from close range.

Moments later, as Shabab Al Ahli chased the equaliser, Ronaldo teed up Brozovic to drill his shot into the net and make safe the game.

Elsewhere in the west zone, UAE side Sharjah qualified for the tournament proper with a 3-1 victory away to Iran’s Tractor FC, while Uzbekistan’s Navbahor Namangan defeated Al Wakrah of Qatar 1-0 after extra time.

In Tuesday’s other play-off, Uzbek side AGMK Olmaliq defeated Qatar’s Al Arabi 1-0.

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