Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Aspirations

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese forward, is not just busy scoring goals; he is setting his sights on an astonishing milestone—the opportunity to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At 41 years old, Ronaldo is determined to make history by appearing in his sixth World Cup. For this dream to materialize, he knows he must resolve his club future sooner rather than later.

Current Contract Situation

Currently, Ronaldo is under contract with Al-Nassr until the end of the 2024-25 season, and according to reputable Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, discussions are underway about a contract extension. This potential renewal is crucial, as Ronaldo understands the importance of maintaining peak performance in the lead-up to the World Cup. While details surrounding a salary increase remain undisclosed, Ronaldo is already the highest-paid footballer globally, reportedly earning around €200 million (approximately $223 million) each year.

Future Options and Club Dynamics

Ronaldo's transition to Al-Nassr in January 2023 triggered a wave of star signings in the Saudi Pro League, but surprisingly, there hasn't been much buzz about major clubs vying for his signature as his contract expiration looms. During a candid interview in August, Ronaldo hinted at the possibility of retiring at Al-Nassr, stating, "I’m very happy at this club, I feel good in this country... I want to continue." It seems that formal steps are being taken to fulfill his wish of extending his stay in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nassr's Ambitions

Al-Nassr's ambitions are also reflected in their recent signings, including names like Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic. However, they were unable to secure Raphinha from Barcelona despite making an enticing €80 million offer. The missed opportunity raises questions about the club’s future targets and the potential additions to accompany Ronaldo on the pitch.

Ronaldo's Impact and Performance

In terms of performance, Ronaldo has dramatically impacted Al-Nassr since his arrival. While the team finished as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League for the past two seasons, they did secure the Arab Club Champions Cup, marking Ronaldo's first trophy in Asian football. Now, under his leadership, Al-Nassr has kicked off the new season with an impressive unbeaten streak across its first five matches. Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess continues to shine, as he was the league's top scorer last season with 35 goals.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, fans and analysts alike are watching Ronaldo's moves closely. Will he remain with Al-Nassr, or could he step into a new opportunity? What is certain is that this football legend is far from done, and the world can expect more thrilling performances from him both at the club and international levels in the years to come.