Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell, revealing his driving force behind signing a new deal with Al-Nassr: a burning ambition to compete in his *sixth* World Cup in 2026. The Portuguese superstar, now comfortably past 40, isn't just winding down his career; he's meticulously planning for another shot at global glory.
Ronaldo's World Cup Obsession
Ronaldo's decision wasn't solely about the hefty paycheck from the Saudi Arabian club. He openly admitted turning down offers from teams competing in the Club World Cup. Why? Because prioritizing rest and peak physical condition for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was paramount.
"I had some offers to play [Club] World Cup, but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long, because this is the season of the World Cup at the end," Ronaldo told Al Nassr TV. This statement underscores his dedication to the national team and his unwavering desire to perform on the biggest stage.
His commitment is clear: “ready not only for Al Nassr, but also for the national team.”
The Saudi Pro League: A Stepping Stone?
While many questioned his move to the Saudi Pro League initially, Ronaldo is adamant that the league is rapidly gaining prominence. He boldly claims it's already among the top five leagues globally, a statement that has generated considerable debate within the footballing community.
Ronaldo has reiterated his controversial Saudi Pro League “top five” claim while revealing his “champion” ambition at Al-Nassr.
“Of course, we [the Saudi Pro League] are still improving but I believe that in this moment that we are in top five [leagues in the world] already. I still believe that we will continue to improve, and we have time and we have shown in the last two years that the league is going up all the time. I am happy because I know that the league is very competitive. Only the people who have never played in Saudi, they don't understand nothing about football say this league is not top five [in the world]. I believe 100% in my words, and the people that play in this league they know what I am talking about.”
Whether it's truly a top-five league is debatable, but there's no denying that the influx of high-profile players like Ronaldo has significantly raised its profile and competitiveness. For Ronaldo, it provides a platform to stay sharp and maintain his fitness levels, crucial for his World Cup aspirations.
Chasing Records & Glory
Beyond the World Cup dream, Ronaldo has other milestones in sight. He's closing in on a staggering 1,000 career goals, currently boasting 938 for club and country. His dedication to Al-Nassr extends beyond personal accolades. He's determined to win major trophies with the club.
Having agreed to stay put, Ronaldo has said of his trophy-chasing targets: “My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that. This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”
Ronaldo's incredible stats speak for themselves: 138 goals in 221 appearances for Portugal and 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr. He's a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, a two-time Nations League champion, and a Euro 2016 winner. His trophy cabinet is overflowing, but his hunger for more remains insatiable.
What's Next for CR7?
The next two years promise to be action-packed for Ronaldo. He'll be leading Al-Nassr's charge for domestic and continental titles while simultaneously preparing for what could be his final World Cup appearance. Can he defy age and lead Portugal to glory in 2026? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo will give it his all.
His journey from Sporting Lisbon prodigy to global icon is nothing short of legendary. He is showing no signs of slowing down and is determined to cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
- Continuing his goal-scoring streak with Al-Nassr.
- Leading Portugal in Euro 2024 qualifying.
- Intense training and preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
- Inspiring a new generation of footballers.