Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr in December 2022 created global headlines, not only because of his legendary status in football but also due to the staggering financial terms of the deal. As one of the most high-profile athletes in the world, his move to Saudi Arabia was seen as a game-changing moment for both him and the Saudi Pro League.
Here’s a breakdown of the financial details of Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr.
Total Value of the Contract
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr is one of the most lucrative in football history. While the exact terms have not been officially disclosed, various reports estimate that the contract is worth around €200 million (approximately $213 million) per year. This figure includes multiple sources of income, such as base salary, image rights, and commercial deals.
Breakdown of the Deal
The reported value of €200 million ($213 million) per year is derived from several components of Ronaldo’s contract:
- Base Salary:
- Ronaldo’s basic annual salary at Al Nassr is said to be around €90 million ($95 million) per year. This is one of the highest annual salaries ever offered to a footballer, making him the highest-paid player in the world.
- Image Rights and Commercial Deals:
- In addition to his salary, Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr also includes significant income from image rights and commercial deals. Ronaldo is a global brand, and his involvement with the club provides lucrative opportunities for both the player and the club.
- Reports indicate that the €200 million per year includes sponsorship deals, global marketing efforts, and other commercial agreements tied to Ronaldo’s image. This is where much of the extra value of the contract comes from, helping elevate the total worth.
- Club and National Ambitions:
- One of the driving factors behind the lucrative contract is the role that Cristiano Ronaldo will play in raising the global profile of Saudi football and the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo’s presence is not just about his performances on the pitch but also his influence in terms of brand visibility and commercial success for the league and Al Nassr.
Why Did Ronaldo Sign with Al Nassr?
While the financial terms of the deal are eye-popping, Ronaldo’s decision to join Al Nassr was influenced by more than just money:
- New Challenge:
- After his turbulent exit from Manchester United and disappointing World Cup campaign with Portugal, Ronaldo expressed his desire for a new challenge. His move to Saudi Arabia represented an opportunity to continue playing football at the highest level while embracing a new environment.
- Building Saudi Football:
- Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to elevate its football scene. The country aims to be a major player in global football and sees the signing of superstars like Ronaldo as a way to bring attention to the Saudi Pro League.
- Legacy:
- Ronaldo has always been driven by the desire to leave a lasting legacy in every team he plays for. At Al Nassr, he has the chance to help develop and grow the football culture in Saudi Arabia, leaving behind a significant impact on the league and inspiring young players.
Comparison to Other High-Paid Footballers
Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr places him at the top of the earnings list in football. To put it in perspective:
- His reported €90 million ($95 million) base salary is significantly higher than the salaries of many other top players, including Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, and Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain.
- Messi’s salary in MLS is reported to be around $60 million per year, while Mbappé, the highest-paid player in Europe, earns approximately $100 million per year from his PSG contract and endorsement deals.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr, however, surpasses those figures due to the additional commercial and endorsement opportunities included in his contract.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr is one of the most financially significant moves in the history of football. With an estimated value of €200 million per year, this deal has cemented Ronaldo as the highest-paid footballer in the world. The contract is not just about the salary, but also encompasses image rights and commercial ventures, making it a win-win for both Ronaldo and Al Nassr as they look to take Saudi football to new heights. Ronaldo’s signing is a game-changing moment for the Saudi Pro League, and his impact will be felt both on and off the field.
