Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League marked a significant turning point in his career, securing a groundbreaking £177 million annual deal with Al Nassr almost a year ago. The transfer, confirmed on December 30, followed the termination of Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United due to a fallout with Erik ten Hag.
This transition not only elevated Ronaldo’s financial status, earning him an impressive £3,403,846 per week and accumulating approximately £153 million in the past year but also triggered a wave of high-profile signings in the Saudi league. Notable players like Neymar, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Ruben Neves have all joined the Saudi top flight.
While Ronaldo stands as the highest-paid player in global football, his impact goes beyond financial gains. Demonstrating his commitment on the field, the 38-year-old has scored 36 goals in 42 appearances for Al Nassr, propelling them to second place in the league after 13 games.
In a notable family connection, Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr, has followed in his father’s footsteps by joining Al Nassr’s youth academy. Having previously been part of Juventus and Manchester United’s youth academies, the 13-year-old is set to continue his development at Al Nassr, donning the iconic No.7 shirt associated with his father. Playing two years above his age group, Cristiano Jr aims to make an impact in the Under 15 side, showcasing the club’s high expectations for his future.