How to become a football powerhouse
1 year, 7 months ago

How to become a football powerhouse

Hindustan Times  

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, in Europe, is the pinnacle of club football. In contrast, the first leg of the Asian Champions League final on April 29th is a Lilliputian affair, between the 101st- and 249th-ranked sides, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan. According to transfermarkt.com, a website that estimates footballers’ market price, the average player in the Saudi league is worth around $700,000; his counterpart in Japan is worth $500,000. In contrast, Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad featured just four players from its domestic league. The push to inculcate a deep football culture means that there are now 60 professional clubs across the four levels of the country’s league system, and many more amateur ones below them.

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History of this topic

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction
1 month ago

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia hosts this year's Indian Premier League player auction in a partnership between a money-spinning cricket tournament expanding its global reach and a kingdom using sports to improve its image. Saudi cricket federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal said that staging the auction reflected the kingdom's "commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its position as a global destination …

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy
1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals true motive behind Saudi move: Want to leave a legacy

India Today  

Portugal and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his primary motivation for making a shocking move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 was to leave a lasting legacy. Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is widely regarded as the turning point for the Saudi Pro League’s global rise. Follow our journey as it unfolds in the Netflix docuseries, …

Cristiano Ronaldo draws double of Neymar's salary at Saudi Pro League; Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane in top 10 earners
5 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo draws double of Neymar's salary at Saudi Pro League; Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane in top 10 earners

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly drawing double the amount of Neymar's salary in the Saudi Pro League. The star-studded Saudi Pro League's top 10 salaries list was shared in the lead-up to the new season. While Ronaldo, Benzema and Neymar are featuring in the top three of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, the remaining top 10 spots have …

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry
5 months, 2 weeks ago

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry

The Hindu  

The Saudi Pro League’s remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year. Saudi …

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo 'reaches out to TWO former Real Madrid team-mates in bid to persuade them to join him at Al-Nassr'... as the forward looks to help his side's Saudi Pro League fortunes

Daily Mail  

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to two of his former team-mates in a bid to convince them to join him at Al-Nassr, according to a report. The forward has struggled for on-field success since moving to the Saudi Pro League 18 months ago, failing to win a major trophy despite enjoying the luxuries of off-field life in the Middle East. …

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’
11 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘Saudi league is better than Ligue 1’

New York Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League has overtaken France’s Ligue 1. In the past year, the Saudi top division has enjoyed significant investment, with several high-profile players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Fabinho leaving clubs in Europe to move to the Middle East. The 38-year-old forward joined Saudi side Al Nassr in January 2023 and now believes …

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023
1 year ago

How Saudi Arabia captured global sports in 2023

Live Mint  

At the dawn of 2023, the spectre of Saudi Arabia's growing influence on pro golf—and sports in general—served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the Saudis and leaders in …

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024
1 year ago

In 2023, the Saudis dove further into sports. They are expected to keep it up in 2024

Associated Press  

At the dawn of 2023, the specter of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on pro golf — and sports in general — served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Making less-dramatic but almost equally important headlines were the continuing talks between the …

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia eyes stakes in $30 Billion Indian Premier League

Op India  

Saudi Arabia which has made substantial investments in professional sports clubs in various sports has now indicated interest in purchasing a multibillion-dollar share in the Indian Premier League, which is the richest tournament in international cricket, reported Bloomberg on Friday, November 3. According to persons acquainted with the situation, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s advisors have discussed transferring the Indian …

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday. Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent …

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you

CNN  

CNN — Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images By attracting some of the world’s biggest stars to …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

Associated Press  

SEOUL — Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion …

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football
1 year, 3 months ago

AUDIO - Full Time Show Podcast: Decoding Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world of football

The Hindu  

The summer transfer window of 2023 saw a new entrant prising players away from the top leagues of Europe. Riyadh-based Al-Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was the starting point of the transfer frenzy as the four PIF-backed clubs from the country vied to secure the signatures of top European players. Saudi Arabia’s performance in the Qatar World Cup, beating eventual …

Saudi Arabia's big football splash: How the SPL sparked a fresh exodus of talent from Europe
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia's big football splash: How the SPL sparked a fresh exodus of talent from Europe

Hindustan Times  

Between 2014 and 2017, the football powers that be in Europe were rocked by what was widely described as an "exodus" of talent. Fundamental difference hiding in the similarities In June this year, Aleksander Ceferin, president of Europe's continental football governing body UEFA, said that Saudi Arabia's recent spending spree on some of the biggest names in world football is …

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League
1 year, 4 months ago

Everybody Called Him ‘Crazy’: Neymar Jr Credits Cristiano Ronaldo For Revolution in Saudi Pro League

News 18  

Brazilian star Neymar has credited Cristiano Ronaldo to bring a revolution to Saudi Pro League as several stars from European football made sensational moves to Saudi in the ongoing summer transfer window. Neymar joined the likes of Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to make a move to Saudi this summer. The Saudi Pro League …

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal. Neymar transfer to Al Hilal - Timeline of Brazilian striker’s club career Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract following his acrimonious departure …

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football

The Hindu  

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday, it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses. Al-Ahli, in particular, is one of the few clubs that has benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s project …

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy
1 year, 4 months ago

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy

The Hindu  

With Saudi Arabian clubs offering ludicrous deals and managing to attract star players, global attention is diverting from European leagues. Saudi pro league club Al-Hilal made French club Paris Saint Germain an offer of a mind-blowing €300 million for its talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe last week. While Mbappe’s future remains uncertain, the offer is a strong statement from the Saudi …

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — After missing out on Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal made a record 300 million euro bid for Kylian Mbappe on Monday, an offer which could see the France striker join Cristiano Ronaldo in the oil-rich kingdom. The moves are part of efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to leverage the kingdom’s oil wealth to …

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi league is much better than the MLS, says Cristiano Ronaldo

The Hindu  

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remains intact even with the football stars now plying their trade on different continents. One day after Messi, the 36-year-old Argentinian forward, was officially signed by Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, Ronaldo took a verbal shot at his longtime foe, maintaining that his new league in Saudi Arabia is better than the …

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season
1 year, 5 months ago

Football’s Arabian Nights a big hit of the season

Hindustan Times  

Before the discussion shifts to Harry Kane’s possible move, whether Kai Havertz can bed in at Arsenal, Mason Mount at Manchester United and Ilkay Guendogan at Barcelona, Saudi Pro League has dominated the conversation around the summer transfer window. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is now part of football lexicon, not so much because of the acquisition of Newcastle but …

Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to disrupt global football
1 year, 5 months ago

Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to disrupt global football

New York Times  

The sun has set on Cristiano Ronaldo’s first six months in Saudi Arabia and he appears optimistic about the future of football there. Saudi Sports Company, which is state-controlled, acquired the domestic rights to the SPL for three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 and the deal’s value is 10 times the amount the league generates from international rights. Another way …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up …

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European football from big spending Saudis
1 year, 6 months ago

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European football from big spending Saudis

The Hindu  

European football should not be afraid of a player exodus to Saudi Arabian clubs, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said Sunday, suggesting the country was making a mistake investing in stars at the end of their careers. More players are expected to follow after four top Saudi Arabian clubs were effectively nationalized this month when taken into majority ownership by the …

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis
1 year, 6 months ago

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis

Associated Press  

GENEVA — European soccer should not be afraid of a player exodus to Saudi Arabian clubs, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said Sunday, suggesting the country was making a mistake investing in stars at the end of their careers. Čeferin was asked by Netherlands broadcaster NOS if he was scared of a player exodus, and answered emphatically: “No, no, no.” “I …

Neymar offered mega deal, to earn Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages: Reports
1 year, 6 months ago

Neymar offered mega deal, to earn Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages: Reports

Hindustan Times  

Since making his 222 million Euros move to PSG, Neymar has been a divisive figure in Paris. With Lionel Messi departing the club as a free agent, there have been reports that the PSG hierarchy would also try to sell Neymar. Also, Neymar could hit the jackpot in terms of finances as Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing him after …

‘I will continue’: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll stay at Al Nassr
1 year, 6 months ago

‘I will continue’: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll stay at Al Nassr

The Hindu  

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo pledged to remain in Saudi Arabia next season on Thursday despite failing to land any silverware since his lucrative move to the oil-rich kingdom. Ronaldo’s January signing for Al Nassr has been followed by speculation about how long he will stay, including reports of a swap deal with Saudi-owned Newcastle United which has now qualified for …

No swag, but Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo puts swagger in Saudi football
1 year, 6 months ago

No swag, but Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo puts swagger in Saudi football

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Saudi Arabia ended with a whimper, but with hundreds of millions in wages and unprecedented attention on Saudi football, he may not be the last megastar to grace the oil-rich kingdom. Ronaldo scored 14 goals including five penalties but it was a “disappointing season” for the Riyadh club, said Moqbel Al-Zabni, editor-in-chief of the Saudi …

‘Ultimate influencer’ Ronaldo’s mixed season in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 6 months ago

‘Ultimate influencer’ Ronaldo’s mixed season in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

Ronaldo ends his first season in Saudi football empty-handed but his move to Al Nassr had impacts on and off the pitch. Five months after he shocked the football world by signing for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Saudi Arabia is set to end with mixed results. “In some matches, he stood out; in others, he didn’t, but …

Cristiano Ronaldo pushes for transfer to European giant and it’s not Real Madrid or Manchester United
1 year, 6 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo pushes for transfer to European giant and it’s not Real Madrid or Manchester United

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo has set the Saudi Pro League on fire since his transfer to Al Nassr and Portugal star has scored 14 goals in 16 appearances, registering two assists. Despite his unceremonious exit from the Premier League side, it looks like Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are interested in signing Ronaldo. During last year's summer transfer window also, Ronaldo was linked …

Ronaldo says Saudi league could become top five in the world
1 year, 7 months ago

Ronaldo says Saudi league could become top five in the world

The Hindu  

Portuguese football great Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League he joined this season could in time become one of the top five leagues in the world. Ronaldo has played in three of the world’s top leagues with stints at Real Madrid in Spain’s La Liga, Manchester United in the English Premier League and Juventus in Italy’s Serie A. “We …

Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' 2023 highest-paid athletes list after Saudi move
1 year, 7 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' 2023 highest-paid athletes list after Saudi move

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr nearly doubled his annual playing salary while Paris St Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round off the top three, according to Forbes. Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi soccer club on a deal until 2025 after leaving Manchester United last year, earned $136 million …

Ronaldo becomes world’s best-paid athlete after Saudi move
1 year, 7 months ago

Ronaldo becomes world’s best-paid athlete after Saudi move

Al Jazeera  

PSG forward Lionel Messi was next on the Forbes list, while club teammate and France captain Kylian Mbappe was third. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the world’s highest-paid athlete for the first time since 2017 after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr nearly doubled his annual playing salary, while Paris Saint-Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round off …

Ronaldo talks up Saudi league’s competitiveness
1 year, 9 months ago

Ronaldo talks up Saudi league’s competitiveness

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo said he has been surprised by the level of competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Nassr in January. the fourth, fifth or sixth most competitive league in the world,” added Ronaldo, who moved to Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth a reported 200 million euros. The 38-year-old, who was benched by former coach Fernando Santos …

Cristiano Ronaldo gets ₹6 crore watch as gift for joining Al-Nassr
1 year, 10 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo gets ₹6 crore watch as gift for joining Al-Nassr

Live Mint  

Legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo gets a luxurious watch as a gift for joining the Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Ronaldo's Al Nassr club was knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup after a 3-1 semi-final loss to Al Ittihad in Riyadh. He is by far the biggest star to play in Saudi Arabia, although other heavyweights …

Ronaldo makes Saudi league debut for Al Nassr, doesn’t score
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo makes Saudi league debut for Al Nassr, doesn’t score

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Nassr, but his presence electrified fans at King Saud University Stadium as the team beat Ettifaq 1-0 to retake first place on Sunday. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner who starred for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United, signed a deal to June …

Cristiano Ronaldo has no Saudi Arabia World Cup clause with Al Nassr, club insists
1 year, 11 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo has no Saudi Arabia World Cup clause with Al Nassr, club insists

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have denied reports …

Ronaldo ‘has no clause’ in contract to back Saudi World Cup bid
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo ‘has no clause’ in contract to back Saudi World Cup bid

Al Jazeera  

Al Nassr, football star’s new team, denies reports that Ronaldo will serve as an ambassador for Riyadh’s 2030 football World Cup bid. Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr is denying reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his contract in which the Portuguese forward is to serve as an ambassador for the Gulf country’s 2030 World Cup bid. Media reports …

Ronaldo to earn EUR 400 million in Saudi Arabia — club source
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo to earn EUR 400 million in Saudi Arabia — club source

The Hindu  

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo will earn EUR 200 million to promote Saudi Arabia’s joint 2030 World Cup bid in addition to his club salary, a source close to his club told AFP on Monday. The deal was backed by senior royals who support Al Nassr, including Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — widely known as “MBS” …

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo says ‘honour’ to be at Al Nassr ahead of debut
1 year, 11 months ago

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo says ‘honour’ to be at Al Nassr ahead of debut

The Hindu  

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo says it is ‘amazing’ to be at new club Al Nassr and describes the Saudi league as having ‘huge potential’ during a recent interview with the club. The forward could make his Saudi Arabian debut on January 22 after he was successfully registered by Al Nassr, a club source told AFP. The 37-year-old, who signed …

Al-Nassr Coach Rudi Garcia Hopes Cristiano Ronaldo Rediscovers Pleasure of Playing
1 year, 11 months ago

Al-Nassr Coach Rudi Garcia Hopes Cristiano Ronaldo Rediscovers Pleasure of Playing

News 18  

Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia hopes that Cristiano Ronaldo will “rediscover the pleasure of playing” when he brings a little stardust to the Saudi Arabian league. “The only thing I wish for Ronaldo is that he rediscovers the pleasure of playing and smiles again because in recent months between Manchester United, the national team and then at a personal level he …

Al-Nassr coach wants Ronaldo to ‘rediscover pleasure of playing’
1 year, 11 months ago

Al-Nassr coach wants Ronaldo to ‘rediscover pleasure of playing’

The Hindu  

Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia hopes that Cristiano Ronaldo will “rediscover the pleasure of playing” when he brings a little stardust to the Saudi Arabian league. “The only thing I wish for Ronaldo is that he rediscovers the pleasure of playing and smiles again because in recent months between Manchester United, the national team and then at a personal level he …

Can Ronaldo keep the eyes of the world on him in Saudi?
1 year, 11 months ago

Can Ronaldo keep the eyes of the world on him in Saudi?

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest coach spoke of his surprise as he looked out at a room filled with reporters on Tuesday. Today, I don’t know why…” Al Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia said at a news conference to present the Saudi Arabian club’s superstar signing. “It’s a new era!” said host and newsreader Weam Al Dakheel, who …

Ronaldo rejected offers elsewhere for top salary Saudi deal
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo rejected offers elsewhere for top salary Saudi deal

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo was presented as the superstar new signing of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday, with the team’s president saying the Portugal great deserves to be the highest paid player on the planet. Ronaldo said he turned down “many clubs” around the world to complete one of the most surprising transfers in the sport’s …

Ronaldo embracing new challenge at Al Nassr after winning everything in Europe
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo embracing new challenge at Al Nassr after winning everything in Europe

The Hindu  

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his “work is done” in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday. He arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from …

Al Nassr Coach Rudi Garcia Hails 'Extraordinary' Cristiano Ronaldo Signing
1 year, 11 months ago

Al Nassr Coach Rudi Garcia Hails 'Extraordinary' Cristiano Ronaldo Signing

News 18  

Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was a big step forward for Saudi Arabian football after the Portuguese forward arrived in Riyadh ahead of his official unveiling on Tuesday. Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a 2-1/2 year deal estimated …

Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of unveiling by Al Nassr
1 year, 11 months ago

Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of unveiling by Al Nassr

Al Jazeera  

Cristiano Ronaldo will be presented at the club’s Mrsool Park stadium in Riyadh at 7pm on Tuesday. Portugal’s footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Riyadh ahead of his grand unveiling before thousands of fans at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr club. Ronaldo, who left Manchester United under a cloud after slamming the club in a TV interview, will appear at …

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