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Ronaldo Says 2026-27 Saudi Pro League Will Be Last

8/17/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ronaldo Announces Retirement

In a Vogue interview on Aug. 16, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will be his last.
His Al-Nassr contract, which ends in June 2027, leaves him with 976 career goals, nearing 1,000.
Ronaldo married Georgina Rodríguez in an intimate ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, in early August 2026.
After scoring three goals at the 2026 World Cup, he says retirement will focus on travel, padel and family.

Summary

Al Nassr Opens

Al Nassr opened its title defence with a 3-0 win over Al Fateh, achieving the club’s 300th league victory.
Coach Ange Postecoglou, appointed on July 3, said he will rely on the existing squad.
João Félix and Abdullah Al-Hamdan led the attack while Ronaldo recovered fitness.
Al Nassr faces three games in six days – the opener, a King’s Cup on Aug 18 and a league match on Aug 21.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 MLS created the Designated Player Rule, letting clubs sign stars outside the salary cap; David Beckham became its first marquee signing with LA Galaxy on a five-year deal paying $6.5 million per year. The 2026 arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, contract through June 2027, follows the same model of using veteran icons to boost emerging leagues.

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Ronaldo Announces Retirement

In a Vogue interview on Aug. 16, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will be his last.
His Al-Nassr contract, which ends in June 2027, leaves him with 976 career goals, nearing 1,000.
Ronaldo married Georgina Rodríguez in an intimate ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, in early August 2026.
After scoring three goals at the 2026 World Cup, he says retirement will focus on travel, padel and family.

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