Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to remain in Saudi Arabia until 2034, expressing a strong connection to the country after recently extending his contract with Al Nassr. The 40-year-old football superstar, who joined the Saudi Pro League club in January 2023, made it clear that he views Saudi Arabia as more than just a temporary stop in his career, emphasizing that he “belongs” there.
Ronaldo’s commitment aligns closely with the upcoming 2034 Men’s World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host. He confidently predicted that this edition of the tournament would be the “most beautiful World Cup ever,” highlighting his belief in the nation’s growing prominence in the global football scene.
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has been vocal about the league’s rapid progress and competitiveness. He stated that the Saudi Pro League is already among the world’s top five leagues, a bold claim that reflects his enthusiasm for its development. According to him, the league has improved significantly over the past two years and will continue to do so, becoming increasingly competitive and attractive on the international stage. Ronaldo challenged critics who underestimate Saudi football, insisting that those unfamiliar with the league’s quality simply fail to recognize its evolution.
His long-term vision for Saudi football extends beyond his playing years, with an expressed belief in the league’s potential and the country’s ability to host a world-class tournament. Ronaldo’s dedication to the Saudi league and its project signals his confidence in the region’s future within global football.
However, the announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup has sparked controversy. Human rights organizations have raised concerns similar to those voiced during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, including issues related to the treatment of migrant workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi also remains a dark cloud over the country’s image. Additionally, questions have been posed regarding sustainability, extreme weather conditions, and the overall experience for supporters.
Despite these criticisms, FIFA’s evaluation report praised Saudi Arabia’s bid as the strongest ever, rating its human rights risks as “medium.” This assessment has been met with skepticism and condemnation from some activists, who describe it as an attempt to gloss over serious concerns.
The Saudi government continues to assert that its significant investment in sports aims to foster economic growth, improve public health, and build sports infrastructure. This push is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, a broader plan to diversify the economy, boost the country’s global reputation, and engage its youthful population. Hosting the 2034 World Cup is a central element of this ambitious strategy, which seeks to place Saudi Arabia firmly on the world football map.
