Cristiano Ronaldo sets sights on 2026 World Cup glory amid Al Nassr contract extension | OneFootball

Superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of penning a new contract with Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al Nassr.

According to talkSPORT, the 40-year-old ace will soon put pen to paper on a one-year renewal with an option to extend for a further season.

Despite turning 40 in February, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looks equally motivated as at the start of his playing career.

His never-dying thirst for success has always been off the charts and continues to inspire generations and redefine the beautiful game.

Even on the brink of retirement, Ronaldo’s timeless genius and unparalleled influence on the game make him a formidable force in world football.

Record-breaking contract

Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half-year contract upon his arrival in Riyadh in January 2023, but his adventure in the sands of Saudi Arabia looks destined to continue.

Though his current deal had been due to expire at the end of this season, back-to-back Saudi Pro League runners-up are close to tying the Portugal captain down to fresh terms.

Al Nassr have remained confident that Ronaldo would commit to an extended stay in Riyadh, with finances expected to mirror his mind-blowing €200 million-per-year deal.

However, performance-related bonuses and lucrative endorsements are poised to push the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid talisman’s earnings even higher, adding to his jaw-dropping salary.

Players like Ronaldo come once in a lifetime, and no one can blame Al Nassr for shattering records and defying common sense to hand a veteran star unseen terms.

His household status transcends football pitches, elevating him into a global icon whose brand power and charisma account for a cultural phenomenon.

New role?

One of the greatest players of all time continues to be a point of difference who stands alone on so many levels amongst the jungle of world-class players.

Which brings us to the next point.

Earlier in the campaign, rumours started spreading over the possibility of Ronaldo taking on a new role as part of his extended stay in Saudi Arabia.

Expected to become an ambassador for the 2034 FIFA World Cup that will take place in the Middle East, he will likely continue to promote football beyond his illustrious career.

This potential position would form part of a nine-year agreement, extending well beyond the end of his playing days.

However, with Ronaldo showing no signs of slowing down, retirement might still be a distant prospect.

World Cup in crosshairs

Like Lionel Messi, Ronaldo could be in for his last World Cup appearance in 2026, provided Roberto Martinez’s men successfully negotiate their qualification campaign.

Per PortuGOAL net, ‘CR7’ has been ‘on a mission’ to prove he is still capable of performing at the highest level as part of his ambition to captain the Selecao in North America.

After Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, Ronaldo has to play catch-up on his arch-nemesis as he has yet to wrap his hands around the object his heart most desires.

Portugal’s underwhelming 2024 UEFA European Championship campaign didn’t deter arguably the best goalscorer in football history from pursuing his ultimate dream.

Records keep falling around

Since Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit, Ronaldo surpassed a 900-goal threshold and is on course to hit the 1,000 career goals landmark after taking his tally to an incredible 933 strikes.

In addition, he eclipsed Sergio Ramos’ record for the most international victories, cementing his place on the throne of immortals.

Ronaldo could make more history in 2026 and become the first player to play in six different World Cup finals, hence an added incentive for the superstar to appear in the tournament.

Another achievable target is also on the cards, with Ronaldo bidding to become the best goalscorer in World Cup history, so it’s easy to envisage his presence in North America.