Cristiano Ronaldo Embraces Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Vision with Key Role
Portuguese legend pledges his support to Saudi hosting project and signals long-term commitment amid Saudi Pro League tenure
Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly affirmed his support for FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia and indicated a special role in the event’s build-up while pledging enduring ties with the Kingdom.
The Portuguese forward, now playing for Al‑Nassr, underlined that though he is Portuguese, he “belongs to Saudi Arabia” and expressed his excitement to be part of “this amazing project and this great event.”
Ronaldo’s comments follow Saudi Arabia’s formal confirmation as host of the 2034 tournament, which will return to a single-host format after the multi-nation 2030 edition.
He praised the Kingdom’s infrastructure investment, stating the tournament would be “the best World Cup ever” thanks to stadiums, fan experience and organisational ambition.
Having joined Al-Nassr in 2022 on a landmark deal backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Ronaldo has become the face of a fast-growing Saudi Pro League and a key ambassador for Saudi football’s global expansion.
His commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sporting strategy and his own trajectory toward shaping a legacy that extends beyond his playing career.
Though he has previously said his final participation as a player may be the 2026 tournament, Ronaldo’s remarks suggest a longer-term influence: he stated that Saudi organisers “can always count on me” and that he intends to support football’s growth and “inspire the new generations” in the Kingdom.
This grounding may see him serve as a figurehead in the 2034 event, leveraging his global profile to elevate Saudi football to a historic stage.
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup plans include 15 stadiums across five cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha and the futuristic NEOM — supported by high-level state and private investment.
Ronaldo’s alignment with the project underpins its market appeal, while his presence holds symbolic value for the host nation’s ambitions to position itself at the forefront of global football.
With his new two-year contract extension at Al-Nassr taking him past 42 years of age, Ronaldo has made clear that his objectives in Saudi Arabia are as much cultural and developmental as competitive.
His role in the 2034 project may therefore mark a transition from player to ambassador — a testimony to his enduring commitment to the Kingdom and its footballing future.
The Portuguese forward, now playing for Al‑Nassr, underlined that though he is Portuguese, he “belongs to Saudi Arabia” and expressed his excitement to be part of “this amazing project and this great event.”
Ronaldo’s comments follow Saudi Arabia’s formal confirmation as host of the 2034 tournament, which will return to a single-host format after the multi-nation 2030 edition.
He praised the Kingdom’s infrastructure investment, stating the tournament would be “the best World Cup ever” thanks to stadiums, fan experience and organisational ambition.
Having joined Al-Nassr in 2022 on a landmark deal backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Ronaldo has become the face of a fast-growing Saudi Pro League and a key ambassador for Saudi football’s global expansion.
His commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sporting strategy and his own trajectory toward shaping a legacy that extends beyond his playing career.
Though he has previously said his final participation as a player may be the 2026 tournament, Ronaldo’s remarks suggest a longer-term influence: he stated that Saudi organisers “can always count on me” and that he intends to support football’s growth and “inspire the new generations” in the Kingdom.
This grounding may see him serve as a figurehead in the 2034 event, leveraging his global profile to elevate Saudi football to a historic stage.
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup plans include 15 stadiums across five cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha and the futuristic NEOM — supported by high-level state and private investment.
Ronaldo’s alignment with the project underpins its market appeal, while his presence holds symbolic value for the host nation’s ambitions to position itself at the forefront of global football.
With his new two-year contract extension at Al-Nassr taking him past 42 years of age, Ronaldo has made clear that his objectives in Saudi Arabia are as much cultural and developmental as competitive.
His role in the 2034 project may therefore mark a transition from player to ambassador — a testimony to his enduring commitment to the Kingdom and its footballing future.
