The Portuguese star could debut with Al Nassr in a friendly against Messi’s PSG on January 19
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr is apparently even bigger than has been reported, with the Portuguese star expected to earn an additional €200m to promote Saudi Arabia’s joint bid for the Cup. World Cup 2030.
According to AFP, Ronaldo will receive the massive payment on top of his club salary, which is reported to be more than $200 million per year, including commercial and sponsorship ties.
After Qatar successfully hosted the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is said to be considering a bid to bring the tournament back to the Middle East.
“Ronaldo will receive more than 200 million euros [214 million dollars] for the deal,” a club source was quoted as saying by AFP.
“He will be an ambassador for the 2030 Saudi Arabia World Cup bet for another 200 million.”
Anticipation in the Kingdom is high as fans await Ronaldo’s debut. He is currently serving a two-match ban imposed by the English Football Association for knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand after Manchester United’s loss to Everton in April.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December after his unceremonious departure from Manchester United. Ronaldo had criticized the club and manager Erik ten Hag in a television interview, leading to the termination of his contract with the Premier League team.
Ronaldo’s first match since he moved to Saudi Arabia could be against Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly.
Ronaldo could be part of an All-Star XI made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal in a friendly against PSG in Riyadh on January 19.
