Cristiano's Kingdom
Ronaldo Signs Football's Most Powerful Deal
Announced last week, Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr is a record-breaking feat never seen before in the sport. The two-year extension delivers staggering numbers and unprecedented influence for a player reshaping the business of football.
The headline figure: €185 million a year (BD75.3 million) or around €15 million monthly (BD6.1 million), €3.8 million weekly (BD1.55 million), and €550,000 per day (BD224,000). It confirms Ronaldo once again as the world's highest-paid footballer. But the deal extends far beyond salary.
Ownership and Influence
Ronaldo's contract includes a minority ownership stake in Al Nassr, reportedly worth €38 million (BD15.5 million). This long-term equity ties him directly to the club's future and solidifies his role off the pitch. He will also have input on player recruitment, which is an almost unheard-of level of authority for an active player.
Farwell Hints to Future Plans
Speculation flared after Ronaldo posted 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written' following Al Nassr's final league game. Some saw it as a farewell, with reports linking him to Club World Cup suitors.
Instead, he's doubled down, remaining at the club while stepping deeper into its core footballing decisions.
The Long Game
Ronaldo has scored 93 goals in 105 matches since joining, but a major trophy has eluded him. This contract is built to change that, with massive performance bonuses:
He'll also earn €93,000 (BD37,800) per goal and €46,000 (BD18,700) per assist—both rising 20% in the contract's second year.
At 39, Ronaldo still sets his sights high. While the 1,000-goal milestone may remain out of reach, his numbers and ambition remain elite.
Saudi Football's Statement
Ronaldo's extended presence signals a continued push for global relevance in Saudi football. For Al Nassr, his commercial magnetism and influence in sporting decisions elevate their standing on and off the field.
As he said at the Globe Soccer Awards: 'Maybe the owner of the club. If I will be the owner, I will make things clear.' That moment feels less hypothetical now.
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