![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 13, 2024; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Al Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted in a Saudi Pro League soccer match at King Abdullah Sports City.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/03183430/cristiano-ronaldo-will-be-allowed-02-03-26.jpg "Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Allowed To Leave Al-Nassr This Summer Only if He Pays 8-Figure Penalty Fee")
Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia has taken a dramatic turn in the last week. The forward had planned to help the country for another decade earlier this season, but is now considering his future in the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo Has a Release Clause in His Contract
Ronaldo has been at war with the Al-Nassr owners this week following their refusal to strengthen the squad in the window. The Portuguese superstar was also angry about Al-Hilal getting special treatment, as they splashed cash in the summer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and also signed more players in the winter window.
Reports in Portugal suggested that the national team captain was considering his future in the Saudi Pro League and was open to leaving in the summer. The forward is evaluating his options, while a return to the pitch is yet to be guaranteed as things stand.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has now reported that Ronaldo’s new contract at Al-Nassr, signed in the summer of 2025, has a release clause. He claims that a $59 million penalty clause is available for him to activate when the summer window opens.
The journalist added that the Saudi Pro League officials are in touch with the Portuguese forward and have urged him to end the strike. They want him back in action this week when Al-Nassr takes on Al-Ittihad in the league. He said:
“Now I think what Saudi officials would say, ‘Cristiano, please end your strike and start playing again. Specifically, Al-Nassr have got a big game against Al-Ittihad on Friday. We want you to play in that game.'”
Ronaldo’s absence from the Al Riyadh match did not affect the club, as a goal from Sadio Mane was enough to seal a 1-0 win. The win saw them move within a point of the league leaders Al-Hilal, who drew for the third successive league game.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar signed a new deal at the club, keeping him in the league until 2027. He had offers to join several sides participating in the FIFA Club World Cup last summer, but opted to stay to help the club win silverware and maintain his fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer.
The forward is managing his minutes this season and has played just once in the AFC Champions League Two. He is focused on the league, but they have slipped up after winning their first ten matches of the season.
