PIF owns several clubs in the country, including Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli, and also invests in international sporting events. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, and seeks to establish itself as a global sports powerhouse.
Despite rumors of a possible departure, the Portuguese forward ultimately renewed his contract with the Arab team for two more years
PIF owns several clubs in the country, including Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli, and also invests in international sporting events. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, and seeks to establish itself as a global sports powerhouse.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo will continue his career in Saudi Arabia, as Al-Nassr announced the Portuguese star's contract renewal until 2027 this Thursday.
"The story continues...", the club posted on social network X, accompanied by a video. With this renewal for two more seasons, the footballer who arrived in the Middle East at the beginning of 2023 extends his stay in the Saudi Pro League.
This decision goes against what was rumored to happen. Just a month ago, the Portuguese player had raised alarms by posting: "This chapter has ended", after the last matchday of the championship, in which his team finished in third place and without titles, generating all kinds of speculation about a possible departure from the club, including one linking him to River.
Meanwhile, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the main driving force behind Saudi football, emphasized its influence: "Ronaldo's presence has been a key factor in the development of the Saudi Pro League. It opens the door for elite players and young talents to come to Saudi Arabia", they told AFP news agency.
The Arab team must find a new head coach after Stefano Pioli's departure. The Italian, who had arrived after his time at Milan, left his position this week and could return to Fiorentina, where he already had a spell between 2017 and 2019.
"Pioli and his staff are no longer the first team's coaching staff", the club officially announced through its social media.
Since Ronaldo's arrival, the Saudi club has already had three full-time coaches. Its last domestic title was in 2019, but it will compete again in the AFC Champions League after securing third place in the Pro League and obtaining an administrative victory due to an improper line-up by its rival.