In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, extending his stay until 2027 and quashing rumors of a return to European football. This comes just weeks after he had hinted that his time with the club might be over.
Despite being the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League for the past couple of seasons, Ronaldo has yet to win a league title with Al-Nassr, and the club’s performance even prevented them from qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup. These repeated failures seemed to suggest Ronaldo would seek opportunities elsewhere, but the situation has clearly changed dramatically in recent days.
Al-Nassr officially announced the extension on social media, proclaiming, “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027.” Reports have also surfaced detailing the astonishing terms of his new contract, which is being called one of the most lucrative deals in sports history.
According to Talksport, Ronaldo is set to earn £178 million per year (approximately €400 million or INR 2000 crore over the next two years). The deal also includes an array of substantial bonuses and perks:
- £24.5 million signing bonus (which increases to £38 million in the second year)
- £8 million bonus if Al-Nassr wins the Saudi Pro League
- £5 million bonus if Al-Nassr wins the Asian Champions League
- £4 million bonus for winning the Golden Boot (top scorer)
- 15% ownership of Al-Nassr (estimated at £33 million)
- £80,000 bonus per goal (increasing by 20% in the second year)
- £40,000 bonus per assist (increasing by 20% in the second year)
- £60 million worth of sponsorship deals promised
- £4 million worth of private jet expenses, fully covered by Al-Nassr
Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in 2023 kickstarted a trend of elite players moving to the oil-rich kingdom. His continued presence is seen as a crucial factor in the development and growing profile of the Saudi Pro League, as a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, noted last month. The PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, controls several prominent Pro League clubs, including Al-Nassr.
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