Cristiano Ronaldo: Al Nassr deny contract includes 2030 World Cup Saudi Arabia ambassador clause
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Updated 11/01/2023 at 12:38 GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in a mega-money move and it has been reported that he could be set for another payday to support Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid. However, Al Nassr have released a statement to say Ronaldo, who could soon face Lionel Messi in a friendly game, does not have a clause in his contract involving the World Cup.
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Al Nassr have denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his contract in which he will serve as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid.
Ronaldo, 37, joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth more than £175m a year.
However, Al Nassr said in a statement: “Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr does not entail commitments to any World Cup bids.
“His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his team-mates to help the club achieve success.”
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo is yet to make his debut for Al Nassr.
His first appearance in the country could come in a friendly match against Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain.
The window to submit bids to host the 2030 World Cup opened last year.
Saudi Arabia are reportedly considering a joint bid along with Greece and Egypt. The winner will be announced in 2024.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina will be defending champions after beating France in the 2022 final in Qatar.
New Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has said he plans to sit down with Ronaldo to discuss his international future after he was dropped from the starting XI at the World Cup.
“I hope we can sit down with him and create the best team,” said Martinez on his unveiling.
“It's a day of great satisfaction, but tomorrow we'll get down to business.”
It seems unlikely that Ronaldo will make the 2026 World Cup given he turns 38 in February and is no longer playing in Europe.
However, the 2024 European Championship are a possibility as they start in less than 18 months.
“We're going to start a footballing process to try to get to know all the players that could make it to the national team,” Martinez continued.
“We're going to give all the players an opportunity and respect all those who are already in the national team. Cristiano is one of them.
“I'm delighted to be able to have them by my side. It's a process that we have to face naturally, with responsibility, and we're going to make important decisions for the team.”
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