Al Nassr are in negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo over a new deal but face stiff competition from suitors across the globe, according to the club’s sporting director Fernando Hierro.
Ronaldo, 40, has been the face of Saudi Arabian football since arriving in Riyadh in January 2023, but speculation over his future has intensified after his cryptic social media message following Al Nassr’s final match of the season against Al Fateh.
“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote, fuelling rumours he could move on.
“Ronaldo’s contract runs until June 30. We’re working to renew it so he can continue with us,” Hierro told reporters. “But of course, there are many clubs interested in signing him.”
Ronaldo topped the goal charts in the Saudi Pro League for a second successive season and, despite Al Nassr missing out on Club World Cup qualification, his presence continues to elevate the profile of Saudi football.
“Cristiano’s arrival was not just a signing – it was a national project,” Hierro said. “He opened up the Saudi league to the world. It’s phenomenal he had the courage to come, to stay, and to help us grow.”
Fifa President Gianni Infantino recently hinted that Ronaldo could yet feature in the 32-team Club World Cup in the US this summer, with the global body even creating a special transfer window for the tournament.
While Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca had been linked with a surprise move for the Portuguese legend, sources close to the club denied any formal talks.
Whether Ronaldo’s story in Saudi Arabia continues remains to be seen – but Al Nassr are determined to ensure this chapter doesn’t close just yet.
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m, Winner SS Lamea, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer).
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m, Winner AF Makerah, Sean Kirrane, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m, Winner Maaly Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,600m, Winner AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m, Winner Morjanah Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,200m, Winner Mudarrab, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
