If you’ve been living under a rock or just stopped following the chaos of the Saudi Pro League, you might still be asking: Ronaldo in which team is he playing for right now?
It's actually pretty wild. As of January 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the captain of Al-Nassr FC in Riyadh.
But honestly, the story isn’t just about the jersey anymore. It’s about the fact that he just signed a massive contract extension that keeps him there through June 2027. He’s 40. Most guys are coaching U-12 teams or playing golf by 40. Ronaldo? He’s chasing 1,000 goals and basically owning a chunk of the club he plays for.
The Riyadh Reality: Al-Nassr and the Billion-Dollar Extension
The big news that dropped recently—and what most people missed while arguing about Messi—is the sheer scale of his latest deal. In June 2025, he didn't just "renew." He essentially became a partner.
His current contract at Al-Nassr is valued at roughly $677 million total. That’s not just a salary; it reportedly includes a 15% ownership stake in the club. So, when people ask about Ronaldo in which team, the answer is increasingly "his own team."
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The math is kind of nauseating if you think about it too long. We’re talking:
- $200 million base salary per year.
- $80,000 bonus for every single goal (which goes up 20% in his second year).
- A private jet, 16 full-time staff members (including three gardeners—why three?), and a 15% slice of the Al-Nassr pie.
He’s currently leading a squad that features names like Joao Felix and Marcelo Brozovic. It’s a legitimate "super team" by Asian standards, even if the start of 2026 hasn't been all sunshine and roses.
The 2026 Struggle is Real
Don't let the stats fool you. Things are kinda tense in Riyadh right now.
Just a few days ago, Al-Nassr hit a rough patch, losing 2-1 to Al-Qadsiah and then suffering a painful 3-1 defeat to their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal. This put Al-Hilal seven points clear at the top of the table. Ronaldo actually scored in both those games—a penalty against Al-Qadsiah and a sharp finish in the 42nd minute against Al-Hilal—but the team is still sliding.
It’s the first time in a long time we've seen him this frustrated on the pitch. You've seen the clips. He’s still scoring, but the "Siu" feels a little heavier when you're three games deep into a losing streak.
The 1,000-Goal Obsession
If you want to understand why he’s still playing, look at the number 959.
That is his current official career goal tally as of mid-January 2026. He needs 41 more to hit the magic 1,000. He told Rio Ferdinand and everyone else with a microphone that he won't stop until he gets there.
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"I want to reach that number that you all know," he said at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai last month. He sounded almost possessed by it. Honestly, at his current rate of roughly 35-40 goals a year in Saudi Arabia, he’ll probably hit it by late 2026 or early 2027.
Portugal and the 2026 World Cup
This is the part that gets people heated. Is he still the main man for Portugal?
Yes. Somehow.
Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico will be his last dance. He’ll be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off in June. He’s already the top scorer in World Cup qualifying history, recently overtaking Carlos Ruiz’s record.
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There’s a massive debate in Lisbon right now. Half the fans think he’s a legend who deserves to start every game. The other half thinks his presence makes the team too predictable. But let's be real: no manager is benching a guy with 143 international goals who is still physically fitter than most 25-year-olds.
Why the Saudi Project Still Matters
People like to joke that he's "retired" in the desert. But look at what’s happened since he arrived.
Since he moved to Al-Nassr, the league’s sponsorship revenue has jumped by over 400%. He isn't just a player; he's a walking economic stimulus package. He's also the face of the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid. This isn't just football—it's soft power.
What’s Next for CR7?
So, you've got the answer to Ronaldo in which team: he’s anchored at Al-Nassr for at least 18 more months.
But what should you actually watch for?
- The 1,000-Goal Countdown: Every Al-Nassr game is now a "milestone watch." He’s currently at 959.
- The Asian Champions League: This is the one big trophy he hasn't lifted yet in the Middle East. It’s his main priority for the 2025-26 season.
- The World Cup Draw: Keep an eye on the groups for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal is expected to be a top seed, and this will be the final chapter of the most scrutinized career in sports history.
If you're looking to follow his progress, the Saudi Pro League matches are usually streamed on DAZN or various international sports networks depending on your region. Most people just catch the highlights on his YouTube channel (UR Cristiano), which, let's be honest, is probably where he’ll announce his actual retirement when the time comes.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on Al-Nassr's upcoming fixtures against Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab. These are the "easier" games where he typically pads that goal stat toward the 1,000 mark.