Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly agreed a deal to complete a stunning move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league, where he will stay until June 2025. Ronaldo is expected to be paid a whopping 225 million dollars a year, something unheard of in professional football.
A decent portion of the wages are reportedly going to be paid via endorsements, brand deals and media rights. Nevertheless, the Portuguese will be the highest-paid footballer in the world by some distance if he goes ahead with the move.
Cristiano has had a tumultuous time in his return to Manchester United, where he had his initial breakout between 2003 and 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his first spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo shined in the wider areas of the pitch, as he became one of the top wingers in world football. The Portuguese even won his first Ballon d’Or award in his last season at the Red Devils before making a record move to Real Madrid in 2009.
The attacker rose to become one of the best players in the world and perhaps one of the greatest players ever as he and Lionel Messi battled it out in La Liga for 10 seasons. Although the Blaugrana were able to get the better of their rivals domestically, Ronaldo shone for Los Blancos, particularly in the Champions League, as he won four trophies, including his side’s famous 3-peat between 2016 and 2018.
Ronaldo scored 450 goals in his Real Madrid career before moving to Juventus in 2018. He wa successful at the Old Lady as well, scoring more than 100 goals in three seasons before moving back to Manchester United.
Upon his return to Manchester, Ronaldo had an impressive season in 2021/22, where he was United’s leading scorer. However, he was heavily criticised for his defensive work, or rather the lack of it, as several pundits brandished him as the reason for United’s deteriorating performance.
United’s position in the league table dropped from second in 20/21 to sixth the following season. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, and after Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell at the club, Dutch boss Erik ten Hag was appointed as United’s new manager.
Ten Hag decided to bench Ronaldo in favour of Marcus Rashford, which left the Portuguese unsettled. Cristiano, who reportedly tried to secure a move away from Manchester in the summer, was unable to find a club, and decided to stay with the Red Devils.
However, an interview with journalist Piers Morgan just before the World Cup saw the 37-year-old lambast his club, the owners and the manager, which led to the termination of his contract.
Ronaldo has been approached formally by Al-Nassr, if reports are to be believed. The five-time Champions League winner is apparently considering the offer seriously and will make his decision post the World Cup.
