Portuguese star says he’d somewhat put together himself for a ‘very lengthy’ season, which ends with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he most well-liked to take a relaxation somewhat than play within the revamped FIFA Membership World Cup as he goals to extend his taking part in profession for membership and nation.
The Portuguese worldwide, who lately led his nation to the UEFA Nations League title, made the feedback on Saturday, two days after extending his keep at Saudi Professional League aspect Al Nassr.
Al Nassr introduced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which might maintain him on the membership previous his forty second birthday and presumably his final look within the FIFA World Cup at its subsequent iteration in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Hypothesis over the 40-year-old’s plans intensified final month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned discussions have been underneath manner about Ronaldo taking part in within the Membership World Cup, regardless of Al Nassr failing to qualify, however the star ahead swiftly brushed them apart.
“I had some affords to play within the [Club] World Cup however I believe it didn’t make sense as a result of I want to have a great relaxation, a great preparation, as a result of this season can be very lengthy as it’s the World Cup season on the finish of the 12 months,” Ronaldo mentioned in a video posted by Al Nassr on X.
“I wish to be prepared not just for Al Nassr but additionally for the nationwide workforce. So, for this reason I made a decision to play the final recreation for the Nations League and never hearken to something,” he added.
“And naturally, to be on this membership, which I like”.
Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC till 2027 💛🤩 pic.twitter.com/uVOzvZW4u7
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025
Ronaldo scored for Portugal within the Nations League last towards Spain earlier this month, which ended 2-2 earlier than his aspect went on to beat the European champions on penalties.
The Portugal captain mentioned his purpose in staying at Al Nassr was to win a significant trophy with the Riyadh-based aspect.
“My aim, it’s at all times to win one thing essential for Al-Nassr. And naturally I nonetheless imagine in that,” Ronaldo added. “For this reason I renewed the 2 years extra as a result of I imagine that I can be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 targets in 105 appearances for them in all competitions.
Ronaldo can be eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his profession. He has scored 794 targets in membership soccer and 138 for Portugal, taking his tally to 932.