Will Cristiano Ronaldo Stay In Saudi Arabia After Retirement?

Cristiano Ronaldo has lived in some of the world’s greatest cities. He conquered England, ruled Spain, and graced the fields of Italy. But now, at 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has found something different in Saudi Arabia. Peace, final purpose, and what he now proudly calls “home.” According to his latest words and actions, he’s not planning to leave, even after he retires.

A Contract Extension That Says More Than Just Football

On June 26, Ronaldo signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr, keeping him at the club until 2027. That alone is headline material—he’ll be 42 by then—but what he said after signing truly turned heads. “Al-Nassr forever,” he declared while walking along a serene Saudi beach in a club video, casually wearing a shirt that read “Ronaldo 2027.” It was short, and simple, but powerful because this wasn’t just about football alone; it told a bigger story.

Ronaldo’s tone was different in a world where athletes usually speak in rehearsed soundbites. This felt real. It described loyalty and love to a country as well, rather than the football club he plays in. “I feel at home here. My family is happy. I’m happy,” he shared in a heartfelt interview with Gulf News. And for someone who has lived in football-mad cities across Europe, that kind of statement carries serious weight.

The Kingdom That Won His Heart

When Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, many critics called it a money move. Yes, the numbers are staggering, he’s reportedly earning over $200 million a year. But nearly two years into his journey, it is obvious something else is going on here.

He speaks often about the “peace and safety” he’s found in Saudi Arabia. That’s not just PR talk. His kids go to school there. His family has settled in. They’re comfortable. That matters, especially for someone who’s spent the last two decades constantly on the move.

Then there’s football. Some laughed when he called the Saudi Pro League one of the top five in the world, but look around. Top players from Europe are following his lead. Ronaldo didn’t just join the project. He ignited it. He even turned down a chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., choosing instead to stay back, rest, and focus on his goals at Al-Nassr. 

A Future Beyond Football, Still In Saudi

When it comes to retirement, Ronaldo’s always been clear. He is not interested in becoming a coach. During a recent interview, he hinted that he’d likely step away from playing in two or three years, right around the time his Al-Nassr deal ends, but he ruled out the sidelines. “No, I don’t want to coach. That’s not me,” he admitted with a smile.

So, what comes next? If his current mindset is anything to go by, Ronaldo is setting himself up for life after football in Saudi Arabia. From business ventures to potential ambassador roles, the possibilities are wide open. He’s already deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global sporting hub. With the Kingdom gearing up to host the 2034 World Cup, don’t be surprised if he is part of that journey. Not as a player, but as a face of the movement. He wouldn’t be the first global icon to transition into something bigger than sport. 

Still Dominating the Game

Ronaldo is still a beast on the field. In the 2023–24 season, he scored 35 goals in 31 league matches. That was followed by another 25 goals the next season. In total, he’s netted nearly 100 goals in just 111 appearances for Al Nassr. That’s a guy still obsessed with excellence, which he has been in 20 years of professional football.

While Al-Nassr hasn’t yet won the league during his time, Ronaldo’s hunger for silverware hasn’t faded. With a new coaching setup and fresh reinforcements coming in, 2025–26 looks like the season he wants to finally lift trophies, not just chase numbers.

Final Thoughts

Ronaldo has nothing left to prove. He’s broken records, won every trophy worth winning, and built a legacy that few, if any, will ever match. Saudi Arabia isn’t just a chapter in his story. It might be the last, and most personal one. Whether he’s scoring goals, mentoring young talent, or simply walking through Riyadh with his kids, it is clear he is exactly where he wants to be. So when he says he wants to stay forever, maybe, for the first time in a long time, Ronaldo really means it.