Ronaldo Emphasises Importance Of 2026 World Cup In Al-Nassr Contract Decision

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Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his contract with Al-Nassr for two more years, aiming to be well-prepared for the 2026 World Cup. This decision allows him to rest and prepare adequately, as he believes participating in the Club World Cup would hinder his performance for Portugal. Despite interest from teams like Botafogo and Wydad AC, Ronaldo chose to stay with Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo is among six players who have played in five World Cups, joining Lionel Messi and others. His 22 appearances rank fifth in tournament history, with Messi holding the record at 26. Ronaldo's focus remains on maintaining peak performance for future international competitions.

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been a prolific scorer. He has netted 74 goals in 77 matches, surpassing any other player in the Pro League during this period. His goal-scoring efficiency is unmatched, averaging a goal every 90.6 minutes from an expected goals tally of 67.1.

Despite his scoring prowess, Ronaldo has yet to secure a major trophy with Al-Nassr. The team finished second in the Saudi Pro League in 2023-24 and third in 2024-25. "My goal is always to win something important for Al-Nassr," he stated, expressing confidence that they will achieve championship success soon.

Ronaldo has consistently praised the Saudi Pro League's competitiveness, claiming it ranks among football's top five leagues. "We are still improving but I believe that at this moment that we are in the top five already," he remarked. He emphasised that only those unfamiliar with Saudi football underestimate its quality.

In the past two seasons, Ronaldo secured the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot twice. He scored 25 goals in the 2024-25 season after netting 35 goals the previous year. His achievements highlight his continued excellence on the field and dedication to his team's success.

Ronaldo remains steadfast in his belief about the league's standing: "Only people who have never played in Saudi, who understand nothing about football, say this league is not in the top five." His commitment to Al-Nassr reflects his confidence in both personal and team growth within this competitive environment.

Ronaldo's decision to renew with Al-Nassr underscores his ambition to contribute significantly to their success while preparing for future international challenges. His focus on rest and preparation demonstrates a strategic approach to sustaining high-level performance as he approaches another World Cup opportunity.