On December 30, 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo signed the most lucrative contract in football history: $213 million per year with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The move sent shockwaves through the football world. Ronaldo was 37, coming off a disastrous final season at Manchester United, and choosing money over Champions League glory.
Critics called him “finished.” Pundits said he’d destroyed his legacy. Social media mocked the decision as a retirement tour.
They were all wrong.
Ronaldo didn’t just secure generational wealth. He opened the floodgates to a Saudi football revolution that changed the sport forever.
Within 18 months of Ronaldo’s arrival, Saudi Pro League clubs spent $957 million on superstar signings, second only to the English Premier League. Karim Benzema ($100M annually), Neymar ($138M per year), N’Golo KantĂ© ($100M), Sadio ManĂ©, Riyad Mahrez, and dozens more followed Ronaldo’s path.
On June 26, 2025, Ronaldo extended his Al-Nassr contract through 2027 in a deal worth $677 million total, including a 15% ownership stake valued at $45 million, making him a co-owner of the club at age 40.
Here’s how Ronaldo’s December 2022 gamble transformed into the richest contract in sports history, and why it changed football economics forever.
The December 2022 Deal: How It All Began
The Manchester United Disaster
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended in humiliation:
- 2021-22 Season: 24 goals but team finished 6th
- 2022-23 Season: Benched by manager Erik ten Hag (sacked by Manchester United in 2024 and Bayer Leverkusen in 2025), public fallout
- November 2022: Explosive Piers Morgan interview criticizing club
- November 22, 2022: Manchester United terminated contract by mutual consent
Ronaldo became a free agent days before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. At 37, his options were limited European clubs, MLS retirement league, or something unprecedented.
The Al-Nassr Offer
Signed: December 30, 2022
- Contract Length: 2.5 years (through June 2025)
- Announcement: Al-Nassr unveiled Ronaldo January 3, 2023
Original Contract Breakdown:
- Base Salary: $75-90 million per year
- Commercial Deals: $125-140 million annually (Saudi tourism ambassador, promotional work)
- Total Annual Income: $200-213 million
- Total Contract Value: $500-535 million over 2.5 years
Per-Time Breakdown (Original Deal):
- Per Year: $213 million
- Per Month: $17.75 million
- Per Week: $4.1 million
- Per Day: $583,000
- Per Hour: $24,300
- Per Minute: $405
- Per Second: $6.75
What Made It Unprecedented:
- Highest Football Salary Ever: Tripled Lionel Messi’s $70M PSG salary (2 years)
- Beyond Playing: Included Saudi tourism ambassador role (promoting Vision 2030)
- World Cup Timing: Signed after Qatar 2022, positioning Saudi for 2034 World Cup bid
- Free Agent Leverage: No transfer fee meant all money went to Ronaldo
The mocking began immediately. Gary Neville called it a “sad end to his career.” Social media labeled it “retirement league” and “Saudi pension plan.”
Ronaldo’s response: “I’m here to win. To win trophies, to make Al-Nassr better, to make the Saudi Pro League better, change the culture.”
What Happened Next: The Saudi Spending Spree
Summer 2023: The Floodgates Open
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of four clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli.
Total 2023 Transfer Window Spending: $957 Million
Saudi Pro League became the 2nd biggest spender globally, behind only the English Premier League.
Major Signings That Followed Ronaldo (2023):
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid → Al-Ittihad)
- Deal: Free transfer
- Salary: $100-107 million per year
- Contract: 3 years
- Impact: Reigning Ballon d’Or winner joins Saudi Arabia
Neymar (PSG → Al-Hilal)
- Transfer Fee: $98 million
- Salary: $138 million per year
- Total Contract: $275 million over 2 years
- Commercial Deals: Additional $70M+ annually
N’Golo KantĂ© (Chelsea → Al-Ittihad)
- Deal: Free transfer
- Salary: $100 million per year
- Achievement: Champions League winner, World Cup winner
Sadio Mané (Bayern Munich → Al-Nassr)
- Transfer Fee: $44.4 million
- Salary: $48 million per year
- Joined: Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Other Major Signings:
- Riyad Mahrez (Man City → Al-Ahli): $53M transfer
- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool → Al-Ahli): Free transfer, $67M annually
- Fabinho (Liverpool → Al-Ittihad): $51M transfer
- Ruben Neves (Wolves → Al-Hilal): $60M transfer, $80M annually
- Jordan Henderson (Liverpool → Al-Ettifaq): $15M transfer
What Players Said About Ronaldo’s Influence:
Neymar: “I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this, and everybody called him ‘crazy’… Today, you see the league grow more and more.”
Sadio ManĂ©: “Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend, and his presence in the Saudi league shows how ambitious the project is.”
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Performance (2023-2026)
Statistics Through January 2026
- Goals: 113 in 127 appearances (0.89 goals per game)
- Assists: 22
- Trophies: 1 (Arab Club Champions Cup 2023)
- Saudi Pro League Golden Boots: 2 (2023-24: 35 goals, 2024-25: 25 goals)
- 100+ Goals Achievement: First player to score 100+ goals for 5 different clubs
League Finishes:
- 2022-23: 2nd place (behind Al-Ittihad)
- 2023-24: 2nd place (behind Al-Hilal)
- 2024-25: 3rd place
Despite Ronaldo’s 113 goals, Al-Nassr failed to win the Saudi Pro League. Critics pointed to this as evidence the move was purely financial.
But the numbers tell a different story.
Al-Nassr’s Global Transformation
Social Media Growth (2022 → 2025):
- Before Ronaldo: 860,000 Instagram followers (74th globally, 3rd in Saudi)
- After Ronaldo: 28.7 million followers (Top 20 globally, 2nd most-followed non-European club)
Ronaldo’s impact on Al-Nassr social media growth exceeded Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami AND Neymar’s impact on Al-Hilal, combined.
Financial Impact:
- Al-Nassr became globally recognized brand
- Sponsorship deals multiplied
- Broadcast rights skyrocketed
- Attendance averaged 22,000+ (60% increase)
The June 2025 Extension: Most Lucrative Deal in Sports History
The Contract That Made Him a Billionaire
Contract Signed: June 26, 2025
- Length: 2 years (through June 2027)
- Age at Signing: 40 years old
- Age at Contract End: 42 years old
The Numbers:
- Total Contract Value: $677-936 Million (estimates vary based on bonuses)
- Base Salary: $200 million per year
- Commercial Deals: $70-83 million annually
- Ownership Stake: 15% of Al-Nassr valued at $35-45 million
Signing Bonuses:
- Year 1: $26.5-33.7 million
- Year 2 (if triggered): $41.1-52.3 million total
Performance Bonuses:
- Per Goal: $80,000-110,000 (increases 20% in year 2)
- Per Assist: $40,000-55,000 (increases 20% in year 2)
- League Title: $8.7-9.4 million
- Golden Boot: $4.3-4.4 million
- Asian Champions League Title: $6.5-7.6 million
Lifestyle Provisions:
16-Person Staff: $1.5-1.9 million annually
- 3 drivers
- 4 housekeepers
- 2 chefs
- 3 gardeners
- 4 security personnel
Private Jet Access: $4.3-5.5 million annually
Per-Time Breakdown (2025 Extension):
- Per Year: $200 million base ($270M+ with all income)
- Per Month: $16.67 million
- Per Week: $3.85 million
- Per Day: $547,000-670,000
- Per Hour: $22,800-27,900
- Per Minute: $380-465
- Per Second: $6.34-7.75
The 15% Ownership Stake: Unprecedented in Football
Club Valuation: $300 million (conservative estimate)
- 15% Stake Value: $45 million
What This Means:
Ronaldo becomes co-owner of Al-Nassr while still playing. If Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sells its 75% stake, Ronaldo’s shares could dramatically appreciate.
Strategic Implications:
- Vested Interest: Ronaldo financially benefits from Al-Nassr’s long-term success
- Influence: Co-ownership gives him decision-making power beyond playing
- Post-Retirement: Secures role after hanging up boots
- Exit Strategy: If PIF sells, Ronaldo profits massively from equity appreciation
How Ronaldo Changed Football Economics Forever
1. Shattered the Salary Ceiling
Before Ronaldo:
- Highest football salaries: $35-50M annually (Messi at PSG, Mbappé)
After Ronaldo:
- New ceiling: $100-200M+ annually becomes acceptable for superstars
Trickle-Down Effect:
- Premier League clubs raised salary offers to compete
- PSG had to increase MbappĂ©’s wages
- Top players now have “Saudi option” as leverage
2. Created Legitimate European Alternative
Previous “Money Leagues” That Failed:
- China Super League: Collapsed after Oscar, Hulk, Teixeira signings
- MLS: Designated player rule limits star signings
- Qatar Stars League: Failed to attract sustained interest
Why Saudi Succeeded Where China Failed:
- Sovereign Wealth Backing: $950 billion Public Investment Fund vs private owners
- Strategic Vision: Vision 2030 ties football to national transformation
- World Cup Bid: Saudi Arabia hosting 2034 World Cup (unopposed bid)
- Infrastructure: Building 11 new stadiums, training facilities
- Media Rights: Global broadcast deals, not just domestic
Ronaldo’s Role: His arrival legitimized the league. When the greatest player of his generation moves there, others follow.
3. Accelerated Saudi Vision 2030
Vision 2030 Goals:
- Diversify economy beyond oil
- Attract 100M tourists annually by 2030
- Create 1M jobs in sports/entertainment sector
- Host mega-events (World Cup 2034, Asian Games 2034)
Football’s Role:
Ronaldo’s Presentation (January 2023): Watched by 2+ billion people globally, single biggest PR moment for Saudi Arabia.
Tourism Boost: Saudi Arabia welcomed 100M tourists in 2023 (exceeded 2030 target 7 years early), partially attributed to sports investments.
Global Awareness: Ronaldo’s YouTube channel (launched August 2024, 74M subscribers) features Saudi tourism content, reaching audiences traditional advertising never could.
4. Changed Player Power Dynamics
Before Ronaldo’s Move:
Top players had two career paths:
- Retire at top European club (Totti, Maldini, Giggs)
- Move to MLS for “retirement tour” (Beckham, Pirlo, Kaká)
After Ronaldo’s Move:
Top players now have three options:
- Stay in Europe
- MLS (Messi chose this)
- Saudi Arabia (highest salaries)
Impact on Contract Negotiations:
Players now use Saudi offers as leverage against European clubs: “Match Saudi’s offer or I leave.” This forces clubs to increase wages or lose stars, shifting power balance toward players.
Example: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) has been heavily linked with Saudi move, giving him leverage in contract talks.
5. Proved Superstar Economics Work
Initial Skepticism:
“Ronaldo’s salary is $200M, but does he generate $200M in value?”
Evidence He Does:
Al-Nassr Revenue Growth (2022 vs 2025):
- Sponsorships: +400%
- Merchandise: +600%
- Social media value: Incalculable
- Global brand recognition: From regional to worldwide
League-Wide Impact:
Saudi Pro League Average Squad Value:
- Before Ronaldo (2022): Under €20M per squad
- After Ronaldo (2025): €80-150M per squad
ROI Calculation:
Ronaldo costs $200M/year but generates:
- $300M+ in sponsorships (club level)
- $500M+ in league-wide economic activity
- Billions in Saudi Arabia soft power/tourism value
The math works.
The Ronaldo Effect: Who Followed (And Who Didn’t)
Stars Who Joined Saudi Arabia
Total Investment (2023-2025): $1.86 billion on foreign players
Major names include Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo KantĂ©, Sadio ManĂ©, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, Ruben Neves, Jordan Henderson, and dozens more.
Stars Who Declined Saudi Offers
Lionel Messi:
- Offered: $400M+ annually by Al-Hilal (reportedly)
- Chose: Inter Miami (MLS) for $60M annually
- Reason: Family, lifestyle, America vs Saudi Arabia cultural fit
Kylian Mbappé:
- Offered: Undisclosed (reportedly $300M+)
- Chose: Real Madrid (2024 free transfer)
- Reason: Legacy, Champions League, European football
Mohamed Salah:
- Offered: $200M+ (ongoing interest)
- Status: Remains at Liverpool (for now)
- Speculation: Senior figure says “no doubts” he’ll eventually join
Why Some Said No:
- Age Factor: Different career priorities
- Champions League: Most competitive players want European glory
- Cultural Adjustment: Saudi Arabia’s laws and restrictions
- Legacy Concerns: Fear of being labeled “mercenaries”
But the offers keep coming. Senior football figures predict Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and other aging stars will eventually accept Saudi deals.
The Reality Check: Is Saudi Football Sustainable?
Warning Signs (2024-2025)
2024 Transfer Spending: $431 Million (down 55% from $957M in 2023)
Why Spending Declined:
- Budget Constraints: Saudi government cutting mega-projects due to oil revenue pressures
- ROI Assessment: Evaluating commercial returns before next spending wave
- Strategic Shift: Focus on youth development, academies, not just star signings
- Market Maturity: Initial “shock and awe” achieved, now building sustainably
Failures:
Neymar Disaster:
- Cost: $98M transfer + $275M salary
- Games Played: 7 in 18 months
- Injuries: ACL tear, missed entire 2024 season
- Result: Fled back to Brazil (Santos) in January 2025
- Total Cost Per Game: $53 million
Other Challenges:
- Steven Gerrard Fired: Liverpool legend failed as Al-Ettifaq manager
- Average Attendance: 7,885 (far below 30,000+ goals)
- International TV Ratings: Negligible outside Middle East
- League Losses: All clubs operate at massive losses
Why Saudi Won’t Collapse Like China
The Chinese Super League Comparison:
China (2015-2020) collapsed when owners went bust and government intervened with salary caps.
Why Saudi Is Different:
- Sovereign Wealth Fund: $950 billion PIF backing vs private owners
- National Strategy: Vision 2030 ties football to government transformation
- World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia unopposed bid, must maintain infrastructure
- Long-term Commitment: 10+ year plan, not short-term speculation
The Verdict:
Saudi Pro League won’t rival Premier League or La Liga soon. But it doesn’t have to. The goal is soft power, tourism, economic diversification, and World Cup readiness.
By those metrics, Ronaldo’s signing achieved everything Saudi Arabia hoped for.
Ronaldo’s Legacy: The $1.2 Billion Man
Career Earnings Breakdown
Net Worth (January 2026): $1.2 Billion
Ronaldo officially became a billionaire in June 2025 upon signing his Al-Nassr extension.
Career Earnings:
- Al-Nassr First Contract (Dec 2022-June 2025): $500M-$540M
- Al-Nassr Extension (June 2025-2027): $600-700M potential
- Al-Nassr Total: $1.1B-$1.25B+ (across both contracts)
- Juventus (2018-2021): $170M-$200M
- Real Madrid (2009-2018): $350M-$450M
- Manchester United (2003-2009, 2021-2022): $230M-$270M
- Endorsements (Career): $1B+ (Nike, CR7 brand, etc.)
- Total Career Earnings: $2+ Billion (by retirement)
Other Billionaire Athletes:
- Michael Jordan: $2+ billion
- Tiger Woods: $1.65 billion
- Floyd Mayweather: $1+ billion
- LeBron James: $1+ billion
- Cristiano Ronaldo: $1.2 billion
CR7 Brand Value (2025): €850 million (+325% since 2020)
The 1,000-Goal Quest
Current Goals (6th January 2026): 957 total
Breakdown:
- Club: 814 goals (Al-Nassr: 113, Real Madrid: 450, Juventus: 101, Manchester United: 145, Sporting: 5)
- Portugal: 143 goals
- Total: 957 goals (as of 6th January, 2026)
- Remaining to 1,000: 43 goals
Is 1,000 Achievable?
Absolutely. At current pace (19 goals in 21 matches in 2025-26), Ronaldo could score 35-40 goals per season (or even more).
Projection:
- 2025-26 season: ~35 goals (total: 990)
- 2026-27 season: ~30 goals (total: 1,000+)
Could reach 1,000 goals by December 2026.
The Bottom Line: Revolution, Not Retirement
When Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr on December 30, 2022, critics called it career suicide.
Three years later, he has:
- Earned $550+ million from first contract
- Signed $400-677M extension through 2027
- Achieved billionaire status
- Owns 15% of Al-Nassr
- Scored 113 goals in 127 games
- Won 2 Golden Boots
- Triggered a $957 million Saudi spending spree
- Made Al-Nassr a global Top 20 club by followers
- Generated 2+ billion views for Saudi Arabia
- Extended his career to age 42
- Reached 957 career goals (43 away from 1,000)
Meanwhile:
- Karim Benzema earned $300M+
- Neymar collected $200M while injured
- Saudi Pro League became legitimate European alternative
- Vision 2030 advanced ahead of schedule
- 2034 World Cup hosting secured for Saudi
The Critics Were Wrong.
Ronaldo didn’t destroy his legacy. He redefined what’s possible in football. His December 2022 contract wasn’t about retirement. It was about revolution.
And his June 2025 extension, $677 million with 15% ownership, cemented his place not just as football’s greatest player, but as its savviest businessman.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the highest-paid athlete in football. Still scoring goals. Still breaking records. Still changing the game.
And he’s just getting started as a club owner.
