New details have emerged about Cristiano Ronaldo's contract extension with Al-Nassr, with the football legend set to confirm his status as the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Ronaldo will reportedly receive a new contract from the Saudi Pro League club worth more than £167.9 million (€200 million), extending his deal for another year.
The 39-year-old superstar joined the Gulf state's Al-Nassr in January 2023 following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
The Portugal international was handed a staggering contract that sees him earn around £164m per season for his contributions on the pitch, with a further £49m of his salary coming from off-pitch activities.
Ronaldo has appeared in videos promoting the country's National Day, taken sponsored trips to a number of fast-growing tourist hotspots in Saudi Arabia, and has been spotted front row at several high-profile boxing matches in Riyadh.
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Al-Nassr will reward Ronaldo's influence on the club by granting the starter part ownership as part of his contract.
Ronaldo has reportedly been offered the chance to take a five percent stake in the Saudi Pro League side.
The offer reportedly comes as Al-Nassr undergoes structural changes, with a new president and CEO set to be appointed in the coming months.
Al-Nassr is one of four teams owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has a 75 percent stake in the club, as well as rivals Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo's arrest by the Saudi Pro League helped spark a talent hunt from the division, with stars such as Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante enticed from European football by the untold riches available in the Kingdom.
And according to Saudi outlet 'Al Khabar', via AS, Ronaldo's time in Saudi Arabia will continue into his fifth decade.
The former Real Madrid star is believed to be on the verge of extending his contract – which expires at the end of the season – to extend his stay at Al-Nassr – in a deal that will see him earn £3.19 million . €3.8 million) per week.
Breaking it down even further, he earns £419,800 (€500,000) a day – and a whopping £291 a minute.
Ronaldo has had a prolific spell in Riyadh, scoring 75 goals in the 84 games he played for his side.
But part of his motivation to stay at the club could be his desire to win major honours.
The forward has won just one trophy with Al-Nassr – the 2023 Arab Club Championship, missing out on two titles to Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal respectively.
This season, Al-Nassr are slightly behind both title-chasing clubs in third place, with just 28 points.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are level on 37 points, while the former is ahead on goal difference.
Last month, Ronaldo again spoke about his division at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, comparing it favorably to a top European league in comments hinting at his continued involvement with Al-Nassr.
“The Saudi League is of course better than Ligue 1,” Ronaldo said. 'The whole of France only has PSG. The rest is done. Try sprinting in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see…'
'It is difficult to become champion in Saudi Arabia. This year Al-Hilal is better, Al-Ittihad is at the top of the league, but I believe we have to push hard to become champions.
“Everywhere I have played I have been a champion and I believe I will be a champion, but I won this trophy because I have scored so many goals and assists and maintained my level.”
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