Cristiano Ronaldo is set to extend his stay at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr with a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2027.
The Portuguese superstar's deal includes an option for an additional year that could see him remain with the Saudi outfit until 2028.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2025.
According to reports, Ronaldo will maintain his staggering £172 million annual salary, making him comfortably the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans to retire
The lucrative deal will also include a five per cent shareholding in Al-Nassr, setting the Portuguese star up for potential ownership opportunities after his playing career concludes.
If he completes the full term of his contract, Ronaldo stands to earn over £516 million during his extended stay in Saudi Arabia.
The 40-year-old's new deal aligns perfectly with his ambition to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ronaldo is also eyeing a remarkable personal milestone, as he currently sits on 933 career goals.
With his impressive scoring rate of a goal every 96 minutes at Al-Nassr, he would need approximately 72 more matches to reach the unprecedented landmark of 1,000 professional goals.
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Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been in scintillating form, netting an impressive 96 goals in just 105 appearances for the Saudi club.
Despite his prolific scoring record, major trophies have thus far eluded the Portuguese icon during his time in Saudi Arabia.
He did manage to secure the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, though this is not considered a major trophy in the region.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is desperate to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup
Reuters
Negotiations for the new deal have been ongoing since January this year, with the contract signing now described as "imminent" according to multiple reports.
The process has been more complex than a typical sports contract due to its unique nature.
The agreement encompasses broader commercial, ambassadorial and developmental roles beyond just Ronaldo's playing duties.
Al-Nassr are hopeful that the Portuguese star will commit to his new contract in the coming weeks.
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The new contract could potentially be Ronaldo's last as a professional footballer, as he will be 43 years old when it expires in 2028.
By the end of this deal, Ronaldo will have achieved billionaire status, with his current net worth estimated at approximately (£603million) $800m.
Despite his advancing years, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and has fully immersed himself in Al-Nassr's project since arriving in late 2022.
