How much Cristiano Ronaldo will earn for playing in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly earn Sh25 billion a year over three seasons for the duration he will be playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Out of the huge payout, around Sh9 billion will be for playing football while the rest will be from the Portuguese player’s image rights and commercial deals.
Ronaldo’s contract also includes an ambassadorial role for Saudi Arabia which is bidding to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.
On Wednesday, Ronaldo was unveiled by his new club after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.
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“I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life,” Ronaldo said at a press conference before walking out onto the pitch in front of his new home supporters.
“In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and now this is a new challenge. I’m grateful Al Nassr has given me this opportunity, not only for football but for the young generation and the female generation. For me, this is a challenge but I feel very happy and very proud.”
However, during the ceremony, the Portuguese superstar unintentionally had a slip of the tongue and said that he was transferring to a South African club.
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“For me, it’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa. I am still motivated to play and to be honest, I do not care so much what people say.”
His move to the Gulf has attracted global interest amid suggestions that he’s headed to catch a slice of the oil money in his semi-retirement.
The 37-year-old has played at some of the best football clubs in the world, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won league titles in England Spain and Italy as well as five Uefa Champions League titles.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s most capped player (196 caps) and the country’s all-time leading goal scorer (118 goals).
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