Cristiano Ronaldo 'close to signing blockbuster £3m-a-week contract extension at Al-Nassr'

Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly receive a new contract with the Saudi Pro League club worth more than £167.9 million (€200 million), confirming his status as the world's highest-paid footballer.

The 39-year-old superstar joined Gulf state side Al-Nassr in a blockbuster move in January 2023, immediately after his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.

The Portugal international has been handed a staggering contract that sees him earn around £164m per season for his on-field contributions, with a further £49m of his salary coming from off-field ventures.

Ronaldo has appeared in videos promoting the country's National Day and has taken sponsored trips to several of Saudi Arabia's booming tourist spots, and has been seen ringside at multiple high-profile boxing matches in Riyadh.

Ronaldo's capture by the Saudi Pro League helped fuel a talent drive for the division that has seen stars such as Neymar Jr., Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante tempted away from European football by the untold riches available in the Kingdom .

And according to the Saudi media 'Al Khabar', via asRonaldo's stay in Saudi Arabia will continue into his fifth decade.

Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly sign a deal that will keep him at Al-Nassr until June 2026.

The Portugal icon moved to the Saudi Pro League side in January 2023 after a tough exit from Manchester United.

The 39-year-old has praised the Saudi top flight since his move two years ago.

The former Real Madrid star is believed to be close to extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season, to prolong his stay at Al-Nassr, in a deal that will see him earn £3.19 million (3.8 million euros) per week and 419,800 pounds sterling (500,000 euros) per day.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a prolific spell in Riyadh, scoring 75 goals in the 84 games he has played for his team.

But part of his impetus for staying at the club could be his desire to win major honours.

The striker has only won one trophy, the 2023 Arab Club Championship, with Al-Nassr, missing out on two titles to Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal respectively.

This season, Al-Nassr is somewhat behind the two title-chasing clubs, in third place, with only 28 points.

Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are tied on 37 points, with the former ahead on goal difference.

Ronaldo is still hungry for the league title as his team will miss out for the third consecutive season against either of their rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

Last month, Ronaldo again addressed his split at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, comparing it favorably to a top European league in comments that hinted at his continued commitment to Al-Nassr.

“The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course,” Ronaldo said. 'All of France only has PSG. The rest is finished. Try running in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and you'll see…'

'It is difficult to become a champion in Saudi Arabia. This year Al-Hilal is better, Al-Ittihad is the leader of the league, but I think we have to work hard to be champions.

“I have been champion everywhere I have played and I think I will be champion, but I won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.”