Cristiano Ronaldo signed a mega deal with Al-Nassr ending his over one month without a club after he ended his Manchester United contract.
After Cristiano Ronaldo signed Al-Nassr deal, the social media went buzzing with many declaring the end to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The sentiments are understood. Playing in a Saudi League with no TV rights to air live matches to a global audience will certainly drag a star into obscurity.
Recall Cristiano Ronaldo hope to continue plying his trade in European top flight since he opted for Manchester United exit at the beginning of the 2022/23 football season.
After Manchester United terminated his contract, Cristiano Ronaldo still hoped to play in Champions League but offers were not forthcoming.
It is understood that the Portuguese star was intent on saving his career by staying in Europe. He had previously admitted turning down a contract offer from Saudi Arabia after he pushed for Manchester United.
After waiting for offers from European clubs, and it was not forthcoming, Cristiano Ronaldo finally settled for the Al-Nassr deal. Does his move spell doom to his career?
How will Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr move impact his career?
Without mincing words, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr will impact his heroic football career in profound ways. There are are the positives as well as the negatives of the deal on his career.
First, the deal has suddenly catapulted him to the summit of the chart of highest-earners in football. He will earn a record £173million yearly till 2025.
Negatively, Cristiano Ronaldo may likely fell off the spotlights since the league lacks TV rights to broadcast live matches. Also, the quality of the game is another concern.
However, the Champions League clause in the two-year deal is a safeguard and lifeline for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to European top flight but having a loan offer from a Champions League club for a player in the Saudi league looks unlikely.
How will Cristiano move impact Al-Nassr?
The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr cannot be overemphasized. The ripple effect have been spotted in how the club has suddenly garnered massive social media following.
From 860k followers, the club’s social media following has increased over 10 times in a matter of days after announcing Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal.
During the unveiling at the Mrsool Park Stadium, thousands graced the occasion and Ronaldo’s no.7 Al-Nassr shirt has been selling faster than ever.
Also, immediately the club announced Ronaldo’s signing, the club’s official website crashed for hours due to heavy amount of unprecedented traffic to the site.
Ronaldo is not just a player for Al-Nassr but a potent factor that will sharpen the club’s financial fortunes and sporting success.
How will Ronaldo’s move affect Al-Nassr players?
The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr will trickle down to the players. He has followed all Al-Nassr players after joining the club. This will boost the players’ social media credibility, and by extension their commercial fortunes.
Also, Ronaldo will be a very influential voice at Al-Nassr, and will likely influence who makes the starting lineup or not unlike his spell at Manchester United where he was consigned to the bench and played less role on the team.
How will Ronaldo’s move impact Saudi Arabian League and Saudi Arabia?
Al-Nassr did not mince words when they maintained the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo will impact the Saudi Arabian league and by extension Saudi Arabia.
It is believed Cristiano Ronaldo will give much credibility to Saudi Arabian league, making it more attractive to other players.
While there are limitations to what Ronaldo’s presence can achieve for Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia are planning to leverage on the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as they bid for the hosting right of the 2030 World Cup.
