Cristiano Ronaldo

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered records once again, but this time not with a goal – with a contract. At the age of 40, Ronaldo has become the highest-paid sportsperson in history after signing a staggering new deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Football Club.

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

According to sources close to the club, the Portuguese star’s renewed contract includes a signing bonus of over £24 million, which may increase to £38 million if extended next year. In addition to this astronomical signing amount, Ronaldo will earn a monthly salary of £14.83 million, totaling nearly £178 million annually.

That’s not all — £100,000 will be awarded for every goal he scores. Bonuses also include £8 million for winning the league title and £4 million if he ends up as the top scorer. In a landmark move, Ronaldo has also received a 15% stake in Al Nassr, adding an estimated £5 million to his personal assets.

Why Such a Huge Investment?

The unprecedented deal may raise eyebrows considering Ronaldo’s age. But behind this record-breaking contract lies Saudi Arabia’s far-reaching strategic vision. Al Nassr is majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), a state-backed entity with the financial muscle and geopolitical goals to reshape the global sporting landscape.

This massive financial outlay aligns with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to diversify its economy and promote itself as a global destination for tourism, commerce, and sport. With football being one of the most watched sports worldwide, the country has found in Ronaldo a perfect vehicle to amplify its soft power ambitions.

The Ronaldo Effect

Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2022 was a game-changer for Saudi football. The club’s Instagram followers exploded from 850,000 to nearly 12 million, and global interest in the Saudi Pro League surged. His presence led to new broadcast deals and a flood of sponsorships, tied directly to his global influence.

His star power also attracted other football greats — Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and several others — to Saudi clubs, sparking what many now refer to as “The Ronaldo Effect.”

More Than Just a Player

Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo is now a co-owner of Al Nassr and is reportedly acting as a brand ambassador for the club and the country. The perks of his new role include access to a private jet, personal managerial staff, and involvement in key promotional campaigns for Saudi football.

This isn’t just about football; it’s about prestige, branding, and long-term global visibility.

A Golden Sunset

For Ronaldo, the new contract offers a grand farewell arc — a “golden sunset” to his already glittering career. For Al Nassr and Saudi Arabia, it’s an investment in global recognition, regional leadership in sport, and national pride.

While critics question whether money can buy sustained sporting success, few can deny that Ronaldo’s record-smashing contract marks a historic shift in the economics of global sport — and a bold bet by Saudi Arabia on football as its global calling card.

Whether this dream translates into a lasting legacy, only time will tell.

This article is published by Crime Today News ©