Ronaldo's Al Nassr story continues. Now it chases fairytale ending | OneFootball

“The story continues…”

With those three words, two weeks now removed, the partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr was extended for a further two seasons, sustaining one of the most transformative collaborations in world football.

The news, shared across social media on June 26, confirmed the Portuguese superstar will remain in the Roshn Saudi League through until 2027.

Ronaldo’s renewal is a major boost to Al Nassr as they will, for starters, target a first top-flight title since 2018-19, with a new coach also on the horizon after Italian Stefano Pioli parted ways with the Riyadh giants the day before the club captain’s announcement.

Pioli was out, but Ronaldo remained very much in.

In two-and-a-half seasons since joining Al Nassr, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus icon has helped transform both his club and the league, bringing with him millions of fresh eyeballs and helping spearhead a new era in Saudi football.

The size of Ronaldo’s celebrity has played a major role in the RSL’s global popularity expanding at unprecedented rates, with the league now broadcast to 160 countries worldwide.

His arrival acted also as a catalyst for dozens more to also make the move to the Kingdom, such as Karim Benzema, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez, to name just a few.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr kits emblazoned with “Ronaldo 7” can be found in all corners of the globe, from Sydney to Santiago, London to Los Angeles.

However, it’s not only off the pitch that Ronaldo has delivered. Despite turning 40 earlier this year, he continues to work his magic on it. The numbers speak for themselves.

In 77 RSL games, Ronaldo has plundered 74 goals and twice captured the league’s golden boot that's awarded to the competition’s top scorer that season.

Indeed, in his first full campaign in the RSL, in 2023-24, he broke the record for most goals in a single season, with 35.

More broadly, when considering all competitions, Ronaldo has 99 goals in 111 matches for Al Nassr, lifting him to one shy of a magical milestone. He has another in mind, too: with 938 goals in his extraordinary professional career, Ronaldo could conceivably reach the 1,000 mark at Al Nassr.

But the goals tell only part of his Saudi story.

Ronaldo arrived in the Kingdom to great fanfare at the beginning of 2023, unveiled at a glittering ceremony at Al Awwal Park. Since, he has embraced wholeheartedly Al Nassr, the league and Saudi Arabia.

It’s no coincidence that last month's contract renewal was announced on the shores of the Red Sea, with the Portuguese great previously declaring his love for that part of the country.

“To be honest, I am really happy to be [in Saudi Arabia],” Ronaldo said in an interview with former teammate Rio Ferdinand last year.

“It is a lovely country. I love to be there; my family loves to be there. The adaptation for me wasn’t too difficult.

“The Red Sea, which is my second home or [even my] first home, is unbelievable, like a diamond. I love to be there. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.”

That love of the country comes through in his actions also, whether it be donning traditional outfits to celebrate important dates on the calendar, such as Saudi National Day, or marking Eid.

Ronaldo has also inspired a new generation of Saudi players through his words and his deeds. And, boy, have there been some deeds.

There were two hat-tricks within his first few weeks in Al Nassr’s iconic yellow kit, and six hat-tricks in total, not to mention a collection of fabulous free-kicks.

There was one game - an 8-0 demolition of Abha - that featured both: a stunning free-kick as part of a treble. It formed part of a run of three hat-tricks in six weeks as Al Nassr pushed Al Hilal all the way in the 2023-24 title race.

It's all contributed to a highlight reel in two-and-a-half years that most players would be happy with across their entire career.

The spectacular goals, like his first-time, left-footed volley on the swivel against Al Khaleej last year; the audacious, such as his lobbed effort against Al Okhdood last season as well.

There’s also been headers - so many headers - long-range bombs and tap-ins to showcase his unparalleled predatory instinct.

In truth, there’s been every goal you can imagine. And Ronaldo’s done it in the RSL, in the cups and on the continent. Saying that, one of his favourites likely isn’t his most spectacular. But certainly, it is one of the most meaningful.

Coming last season in the Capital Derby against arch-rivals Al Hilal, Ronaldo’s sweet, first-time effort early in the second half put Al Nassr 2-0 up as he secured his first victory against the club's great city foes since arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The hope, for Ronaldo, Al Nassr and their legion of success-hungry supporters, is that that will continue into the 2025-26 season and beyond.

“A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together,” Ronaldo shared on social media at the time his contract renewal went public.

Then, in an interview released by Al Nassr later in the week, the five-time Ballon d’Or repeatedly referenced winning “something important” at the club.

Patently, the dream remains to bring major silverware to Al Nassr. After eluding him until now, Ronaldo’s drive will no doubt be stronger than ever to make up for lost time this coming campaign.

We can all rejoice in the story continuing. Now it chases a fairytale ending.

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