“In a major development that could send shockwaves across the global football community, Al Hilal’s board of directors has agreed to a proposal to sign Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo,” Saudi Arabian newspaper Occasionally reported. “The player and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) have finalized terms as set by the club’s leaders.”

Okaz is Saudi Arabia’s leading newspaper, printing 250,000 copies a day, the most in the country in 2010. According to the Dubai Press Clubit is the most popular newspaper in Saudi Arabia.

PIF manages assets worth $930 billion and owns four of the country’s top clubs: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

Previously, PIF had encouraged Al Hilal to sign Ronaldo so he could play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, to be held in the U.S. As the only Saudi representative at the tournament, Al Hilal are seen as a fitting stage for the global football icon. However, earlier talks failed when Al Hilal reportedly insisted that Ronaldo accept a non-guaranteed starting role and captaincy in the team.

The Arab newspaper said that Ronaldo had accepted Al Hilal’s terms, in line with his long-standing desire to play for the club. An official announcement will arrive in the coming days. The club are said to have changed their mind after securing full control over the technical and commercial aspects of the deal.

Several other sources have confirmed the pending move.

Ahmad Al-Ajlan, a journalist close to Al Hilal, stated the transfer is nearing completion.

Walid Al-Faraj, one of the top journalists in the country, also confirmed that negotiations had resumed, despite some remaining difficulties.

The summer transfer window opens on June 1, and the FIFA Club World Cup begins on June 14.

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr will expire on June 30.

Al Hilal are the most successful club in Asia, with four AFC Champions League titles and 19 Saudi Pro League championships, equal to the combined total of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad. The club are ranked 78th globally by the Opta power index, making it the only Asian club in the world’s top 100.

At the 2025 Club World Cup, Al Hilal are in group H alongside Real Madrid (Spain), Pachuca (Mexico) and Red Bull Salzburg (Austria).