Cristiano Ronaldo close to stay at Al Nassr to chase 1000 goals and a last dance

Cristiano Ronaldo appears poised to extend his remarkable career in Saudi Arabia, with reports indicating he is nearing an agreement on a new contract to remain at Al Nassr. The 40-year-old Portugal captain, whose current deal is set to expire at the end of this month, has reportedly found a comfortable home in the Kingdom since his high-profile move in January 2023.

Ronaldo's decision to prolong his tenure with Al Nassr seems driven by a combination of personal ambition and a belief in the burgeoning quality of the Saudi Pro League. He reportedly feels that continuing to play in the league will help him maintain the peak physical condition necessary for the next World Cup, when he will be 41 years old.

His recent performances and goal-scoring heroics for Portugal, particularly during their Nations League triumph, have seemingly reaffirmed his conviction that he has much more to offer at the highest level. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is also famously targeting an extraordinary milestone: scoring 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots. Currently, he stands at an astounding 938 goals, putting the legendary figure tantalizingly close to this unprecedented achievement.

Recent months saw speculation about Ronaldo's immediate future, with hints on social media last month suggesting a potential departure from Al Nassr. He also notably turned down opportunities to participate in the Club World Cup, where his long-time rival Lionel Messi is playing for Inter Miami. However, according to Sky Sports News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Ronaldo ultimately chose to remain loyal to Al Nassr. "I think he wanted to stay loyal to Al Nassr and he will be extending his contract," Solhekol stated from the Club World Cup. He added, "One other thing he's very focused on is ending his career having scored 1,000 goals. He's currently on 938 and who would bet against him scoring another 62 for club and country before he retires?"

Ronaldo's enduring impact on the Saudi Pro League, coupled with his relentless pursuit of individual records and continued participation at the international level, highlights his unique drive. His impending contract extension underscores Al Nassr's commitment to retaining their global superstar as they continue to raise the profile of Saudi football.