Cristiano Ronaldo’s Influence on Saudi Football Investments and Transfers

Significant investments continue to pour into Saudi Arabia’s football scene, a trend kickstarted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023. Following the termination of his contract with Manchester United, the Portuguese superstar signed the most lucrative deal in football history, which he has since extended through the summer of 2027, when he will be 42 years old. Many speculate that he may continue playing beyond this contract.

However, Ronaldo has expressed frustration with the management of Al-Nassr, particularly regarding the handling of resources by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) compared to rival clubs. Reports suggest that he is contemplating a strike, potentially missing an upcoming match against Al-Riyadh, as Al-Nassr seeks to manage his workload to prevent burnout.

Ronaldo’s concerns are echoed by reports from A Bola, indicating that he desires increased financial support for his team. He has also been actively involved in blocking transfers within the Saudi Pro League to maintain competitive balance. Notably, his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema is currently facing a contract dispute with Al-Ittihad, with speculation surrounding a potential move to Al-Hilal that Ronaldo is reportedly opposing to preserve fair competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence is creating a ripple effect in the Saudi Pro League, affecting other high-profile players such as N’Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri, who are unable to finalize their transfers due to ongoing negotiations. The urgency to appease Ronaldo underscores the league’s desire to keep him content in his current role, as his departure could lead to a significant loss of global attention.

In pursuit of major titles and personal milestones—including his quest for 1,000 competitive career goals—Ronaldo’s leadership will likely be pivotal as he aims to guide Portugal in the upcoming World Cup, further solidifying his historic legacy.