Manchester City have secured the long-term future of their defensive powerhouse as Ruben Dias has signed a fresh two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2029, with an option to extend for a further season.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international, who arrived from Benfica in 2020 for £65 million, has been a rock at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s defense. His original deal was due to expire in 2027, but City moved swiftly to tie him down after his stellar performances and leadership qualities over the past five years.
Since joining Manchester City, Dias has been instrumental in the club’s dominance, lifting four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the EFL Cup, and the FA Cup. His outstanding debut season even earned him the prestigious Premier League Player of the Year award, cementing his reputation as one of the best defenders in world football.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Dias said he was overjoyed to continue his journey in Manchester. “I am extremely happy today. Manchester feels like home to me, and the fans have been incredible. When I look back at the trophies we’ve won and the style of football we’ve played, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
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Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, hailed Dias as a player who embodies both talent and leadership. “Ruben is a leader both in the dressing room and on the pitch. He has been a key part of our success, and securing his future is a massive boost for the club.”
With Dias’ extension finalized, attention will now shift to other key figures in Guardiola’s squad. John Stones and Bernardo Silva are entering the final year of their contracts, while Ilkay Gundogan and goalkeeper Ederson also face uncertain futures with less than a year remaining. Spanish maestro Rodri, England star Phil Foden, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji, and Dutch center-back Nathan Ake all have two years left on their deals. Rising talent Rico Lewis is also close to agreeing a new five-year extension.
Dias’ commitment sends a strong message about Manchester City’s ambition to remain at the top of English and European football, with Guardiola’s side continuing to build a dynasty around their defensive general.


![Ronaldo's future with Al-Nassr In limbo By Paul Joseph Cristiano Ronaldo's position at Al-Nassr is unclear after he was left out of the squad for their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh on Monday. Reports indicate that the 40-year-old is reluctant to play due to dissatisfaction with the club's management by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the country's most successful club with 19 league titles, are managed by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, making him the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177 million. However, during his time there, he has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed a new two-year contract in June 2025. Before agreeing to the new contract, there were rumors about a possible exit from Al-Nassr, including a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal. The Arab Club Champions Cup is the only trophy Ronaldo has won with Al-Nassr. Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has been a prolific scorer, netting 14 goals in the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League after joining mid-season. He has been the league's top scorer for the past two seasons, with 35 and 25 goals, respectively. After being named the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards in December, Ronaldo stated: "You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will definitely reach that number, assuming I stay injury-free." He scored his 17th goal of the season against Al-Kholood on Friday, bringing his career total to 961 goals—39 shy of his target. Al-Nassr finished as league runners-up in his first two seasons and came in third last season, trailing champions Al-Ittihad by 13 points. They also lost in the final of the King's Cup in the 2023-24 season to Al-Hilal on penalties. In the previous season, Al-Nassr was eliminated from the Asian Champions League Elite semi-finals by Japan's Kawasaki Frontale and only qualified for the second-tier Asian Champions League Two this season. Meanwhile, their domestic rivals Al-Ahli became Asian champions last year, featuring players like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney. The only trophy Ronaldo has secured with the club remains the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. Sen. Dickson condemns undue jostling to replace Ewhrudjakpor](https://thetrumpet.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Senator-Seriake-Dickson-3-e1733174146504-120x86.jpg)
