Saudi Arabia Prepares New Role for Cristiano Ronaldo After Retirement

Time keeps moving, and the hourglass of Cristiano Ronaldo's career slowly approaches its final grains. His contract with Al Nassr ends in 2027, a moment widely expected to conclude CR7's professional journey as an active player. So what will Ronaldo do after retirement?

Ronaldo remains under contract until 2027 with Al Nassr through a landmark agreement signed in 2024. 

Should he fulfill this contract, Ronaldo will retire at age 42, coinciding with the conclusion of World Cup 2026 – potentially his final major tournament with Portugal's national team.

Saudi Arabia, the nation that brought him to the Middle East in 2022, has crafted long-term plans for Ronaldo. 

According to journalist Ben Jacobs' report, Saudi authorities don't want Ronaldo to merely come and go. They aim to retain him not as a player, but as part of the power structure in domestic Football.

One proposed scenario involves installing Ronaldo as a club owner. Intriguingly, this transition has already begun. 

Currently, Ronaldo holds a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr – the club he represents. This stake is expected to expand significantly after his retirement.

This strategy is deliberate. For the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo serves as a global catalyst. His arrival in 2022 transformed the league's international Profile, attracting worldwide attention, sponsorships, and waves of star players. 

Granting him club ownership is seen as essential to preserving his influence long after he stops scoring on the pitch.

Behind this plan lies anticipation of potential decline in the Saudi Pro League's prominence. 

Since securing Ronaldo, the league has aggressively built its global brand. 

Maintaining CR7's involvement is considered crucial for sustaining this ambitious project.

Statistically, Ronaldo's contribution to Al Nassr is undeniable: 110 goals and 22 assists across 125 appearances. 

Though he's delivered just one trophy (the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup), his impact transcends numbers. Ronaldo has become the league's primary face, voice, and magnet.

If this vision materializes, Ronaldo's post-retirement future will remain deeply connected to Football. While he may no longer grace the touchlines, his influence could grow exponentially as a decision-maker, club owner, and symbol of Saudi Arabia's global sporting ambitions.

For CR7, retirement appears not as an ending, but the opening chapter of a new legacy.