Cristiano Ronaldo contract extension talks opened at Al-Nassr as Portugal captain's final stance on 2026 World Cup participation revealed

Posted Monday, September 30, 2024 by Goal.com

Al-Nassr have reportedly opened contract extension talks with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has decided he wants to play the 2026 World Cup.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo has been keen to let everyone know that he has loved his year-and-a-half spell in the Middle East, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now in talks to extend his contract with Al-Nassr, despite the club sitting third in the Saudi Pro League, four points behind rivals and reigning champions Al-Hilal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

If Ronaldo were to sign a new contract with Al-Nassr, he would secure his future with the club, as his current contract runs out in June next year. It would keep his dream alive of featuring at the next World Cup and winning the competition, which is being played in the United States in two years' time.

WHAT NICOLO SCHIRI SAID?

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Al-Nassr have already opened renewal talks with Ronaldo in order to avoid losing him as a free agent at the end of the season. Ronaldo has also made it clear he wants to become the first player to feature at six World Cups when the tournament is staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States in the summer of 2026.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo scored his sixth goal of the season to help Al-Nassr beat Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. He will be back in action when Stefano Pioli's side take on Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League on Monday night.