Cristiano Ronaldo has always been an influence wherever he goes and he recently helped Al-Nassr bag new sponsorship deal with world renowned sportswear manufacturing company, Nike.
Al-Nassr recently took to their Twitter page to announce that Nike will be their new kit manufacturer in a flexing of their commercial muscles with CR7.
Ronaldo, 38, has a lifetime deal with Nike and is currently on a £147million 10-year deal with the American giants.
This has also pushed Al-Hilal to switch their in-house brand, Mouj, for worldwide sportswear name Puma on a five-year contract.
All these are coming after Cristiano Ronaldo joined the league helping the Saudi pro league’s international fame grow.
Al-Nassr had in the past worked with Nike between 1997 and 2001 and, in a second stint, 2010 and 2012.
The new kit might not completely look different from what they have now as their current manufacturer, Arabic giants Duneus, took direct inspiration from the Nike style.
Al-Nassr Fans will see their team in the new kit when the Riyadh-based club test themselves against PSG and Inter Milan in a tour of Japan at the end of the month.
Before then, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will undertake their first pre-season tour in Portugal, where they will face Spanish side Celta Vigo and Portuguese champions Benfica.
These matches show the prestigious circle in which Al-Nassr are seen following mountains of cash flowing into the Saudi game.
Al-Nassr, one of the most successful Saudi Arabian side, were one of the four clubs that were taken control of by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in June.
Together with them, the PIF bought 75 per cent stakes in Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo In Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season in Saudi Arabia ended with mixed feelings.
His new team Al Nassr ended the league season in second place in the Saudi Pro League behind Al Ittihad who were crowned Champions.
That means that Ronaldo will not add to the seven league titles won in England, Spain and Italy over the course of his career.
Ronaldo-led Al Nassr were also knocked out of the Saudi Cup in the semifinals.
Al Nassr managed to qualify for the Asian Champions League next season, but failed to match the consistency and defensive prowess of Al Ittihad.
Though Ronaldo’s first season in Saudi Arabia did not go well, he has had a massive influence in the league.
Al Nassr followers on Instagram skyrocketed to almost about 15 Millions from it’s previous 860,000 followers before Ronaldo’s move.
Pat Janssen, CEO of Al Shabab from 2017 to 2018 confirmed that Ronaldo’s move made waves for Al Nassr saying: “It’s raised their profile beyond their wildest dreams.”
“TV rights for his matches alone are a commercial success.”
Ronaldo’s presence is not just about football, Saudi Arabia looks to tap into the awareness he is bringing to position itself as a major sporting hub and diversify an economy historically reliant on oil.
This move by Saudi is aimed at increasingly hosting sporting events such as Formula One, golf tournaments, boxing and wrestling matches.
