What Happened to Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro?
Cristiano Ronaldo continues his illustrious career with Saudi club Al Nassr, having extended his contract until June 2027 and becoming football's first billionaire in 2025. He remains a pivotal figure for the Portugal national team, leading them to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he has confirmed will be his final major international tournament. As of March 2026, he is recovering from a minor muscle injury but has returned to training.
Quick Answer
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, having signed a contract extension in June 2025 that runs until June 2027 and includes a minority ownership stake in the club. He achieved billionaire status in 2025, largely due to this lucrative deal. Ronaldo is set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, which he has confirmed will be his last, despite a recent minor muscle injury that saw him miss March 2026 international friendlies. He returned to training with Al Nassr on March 27, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Joins Al Nassr FC
Cristiano Ronaldo signs a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, marking a significant move outside top-tier European football.
Wins Arab Club Champions Cup
Ronaldo scores both goals in the final against Al Hilal, securing Al Nassr's first-ever Arab Club Champions Cup title.
Breaks Euros Assist Record at Euro 2024
During Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, Ronaldo breaks the all-time assists record at the European Championships, reaching seven assists.
Portugal Exits Euro 2024 Without Ronaldo Goal
Portugal is eliminated from Euro 2024, with Ronaldo failing to score any goals in the tournament, leading to public criticism.
Ends 2024 with 43 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo concludes the 2024 calendar year with 43 goals for club and country, continuing his prolific scoring form.
Extends Al Nassr Contract and Becomes Part-Owner
Ronaldo signs a new two-year contract with Al Nassr until June 2027, reportedly worth over $600 million, and acquires a 15% ownership stake in the club.
Becomes Football's First Billionaire
Upon signing his massive contract extension with Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo officially becomes a billionaire, the first footballer to achieve this status.
Engaged to Georgina Rodriguez
After nine years together, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez confirm their engagement, with plans to marry after the 2026 World Cup.
Scores 100th Goal for Al Nassr
Ronaldo reaches 100 goals for Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup final, becoming the only player to score 100 goals for four different clubs.
Portugal Qualifies for 2026 World Cup; Ronaldo Confirms it's His Last
Portugal secures qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Ronaldo confirms that the tournament will be his final appearance on the global stage.
Turns 41 Years Old
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 41st birthday, continuing to play at an elite level for both club and country.
Invests in Herbalife's Pro2col Technology
Ronaldo commits nearly $8 million to acquire a 10% equity stake in Herbalife Ltd's Pro2col technology, expanding his business portfolio.
Sustains Muscle Injury
Ronaldo suffers a muscle injury in his right thigh while playing for Al Nassr, leading to his absence from subsequent matches.
Omitted from Portugal Squad for Friendlies
Due to his hamstring injury, Ronaldo is left out of the Portugal squad for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States.
Returns to Al Nassr Training
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to training with Al Nassr, signaling progress in his recovery from the muscle injury sustained in late February.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cristiano Ronaldo's career has entered a new, highly lucrative, and still competitive phase since his move to Al Nassr in January 2023. After a high-profile departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League, a move that significantly elevated the league's global profile. His initial contract was reportedly worth around $210 million per season, making him the highest-paid player in football at the time.
A key turning point came in June 2025 when Ronaldo extended his contract with Al Nassr until June 2027. This new deal, reportedly worth approximately £492 million (about $620 million) over two years, solidified his status as the highest-earning athlete globally and included an unprecedented 15% ownership stake in the club. This extension was instrumental in him officially becoming football's first billionaire in June 2025, with his net worth estimated at $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion as of early 2026, encompassing his club earnings, lifetime Nike deal, and the expansive CR7 brand empire.
On the international stage, Ronaldo continues to defy age. He led Portugal through a successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In November 2025, Portugal secured their spot, and Ronaldo confirmed that this tournament, where he will be 41 years old, will 'definitely' be his last World Cup appearance, aiming to win the one major title that has eluded him. Despite a goalless Euro 2024 campaign where Portugal exited to France, Ronaldo defended his performance, highlighting his overall international goal record and penalty shootout contributions.
As of early 2026, Ronaldo's focus remains on both club and country. He sustained a minor muscle injury in his right thigh at the end of February 2026 while playing for Al Nassr, which led to his omission from Portugal's squad for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States in March 2026. However, both he and Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, have expressed confidence in his quick recovery, with Ronaldo posting an update on March 26, 2026, saying "Good to be back! Looking good," and returning to training with Al Nassr on March 27, 2026. His longevity and continued impact at 41 years old are remarkable, with speculation also emerging about his potential post-playing career, including a possible ambassadorial role for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro made different choices?