Cristiano Ronaldo: Portuguese star says he is still committed to Al-Nassr
BBC World
February 22, 2026
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Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to Al-Nassr, dispelling rumors of a potential exit from the Saudi Arabian club. Despite reports of dissatisfaction with the management by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Ronaldo emphasized his happiness at the club and expressed gratitude for the warm reception he and his family have received in Saudi Arabia. Speaking to Saudi broadcaster Thmanyah, Ronaldo highlighted his desire to continue his career in the country and stressed the importance of focusing on the league title race, which Al-Nassr currently leads by one point following a 4-0 win over Al-Hazem.
Ronaldo's recent absence from three matches had fueled speculation about his future. However, his return coincided with a strong performance, scoring twice in the match that secured Al-Nassr's position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. This victory also advanced the team to the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has become one of the highest-paid players in football history, earning an annual salary of £177m. Despite this, his time with the club has been marked by limited success, with their only major trophy being the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Ronaldo's decision to move to Al-Nassr was made shortly after his contract with Manchester United was terminated in a mutual agreement. His arrival in the Middle East marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, aligning him with Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports and cultural diplomacy initiatives. The country has been actively investing in its football sector as part of efforts to enhance its global standing and attract international talent.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026