Ronaldo has finalized the timing for his departure from Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have made up his mind about his future with Al Nassr once his contract comes to an end.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs from talkSPORT, Ronaldo is very likely to leave Al Nassr in the summer of 2027, when his current contract officially ends after being extended by two years in June 2025. However, the possibility of another one-year extension is not completely ruled out. The source also mentioned that the Portuguese superstar might consider retirement immediately after leaving Saudi Arabia.

This information comes as Ronaldo enters the twilight of his peak career. He will turn 41 on February 5, and his short-term future is attracting increasing attention. The 2026 World Cup is seen as his final major goal and a crucial milestone, as it is highly likely he will not continue playing at the highest level long after this tournament.

In the 2025/26 season, signs of aging have become somewhat evident. Coach Jorge Jesus no longer fields Ronaldo regularly, resting him in 6 out of 26 matches for Al Nassr. This indicates the striker’s role is gradually evolving, although his influence remains significant both on and off the pitch.

If he chooses to retire in 2027, Ronaldo will be 42 years old, joining a rare group of players who have competed at the highest level beyond the age of 40. Currently, he is among the oldest players still active in top leagues.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was not only linked to record-breaking earnings but also his role as a representative of the country’s football development strategy. Even after his playing career ends, he is expected to stay involved in Saudi football at organizational and strategic levels.

One option under consideration is for Ronaldo to increase his ownership stake to 15% in Al Nassr, allowing him to take a deeper role as a co-owner. This would help the club maintain global appeal and continue leveraging Ronaldo’s influence and image to expand its position on the world football map.

In the long term, Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans for the 2034 World Cup. Ronaldo is expected to serve as the global ambassador for this event, thereby continuing to leave his mark on the football development strategy of the Middle Eastern nation, even after retiring from professional play.