As Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday, he does so in his adopted home of Saudi Arabia, where his popularity continues to soar even as his playing days draw to a close.
The Portuguese legend made the switch to Al Nassr in Riyadh two years ago in a move reported to be worth $250 million, seemingly opting for a lucrative farewell rather than a quiet retirement from the sport.
However, his impact became evident as he was soon joined by other renowned players past their peak, including Karim Benzema and the injury-prone Neymar, further boosting the profile of the financially ambitious Saudi Pro League.
In December, Saudi Arabia was granted the 2034 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom’s efforts to enhance its global image through investments in sports, tourism, and culture.
Ronaldo has been at the forefront of this transformation, serving as an ambassador for the Saudi World Cup and becoming an internet sensation with over a billion followers across his social media platforms.
When he launched his YouTube channel in August, he amassed one million subscribers within just 90 minutes, and 20 million within a day. He currently boasts 73.5 million subscribers.
Despite his striking appearance, athletic physique, and the numerous product endorsements that flood the internet, Ronaldo continues to display immense energy on the pitch.
On Monday, he netted a brace for Al Nassr, including a signature soaring header, and he voices his displeasure over errors from himself and his teammates with the same intensity as he did during high-stakes matches for Real Madrid.
“With age, one’s physical capabilities start to decline, so it would have been easy for Ronaldo to take the opportunity in Saudi Arabia and fade into the background,” remarked Simon Chadwick, a professor specialising in Sport and Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School, in a statement to AFP.
“Yet, his ongoing zeal and dedication signify a true professional and a fervent player, exhibiting a level of determination rarely seen,” he added.
Stay, leave or retire?
While World Cup triumph may have slipped through his fingers, unlike his Argentinian counterpart Lionel Messi, the five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner still has records within reach.
As of September, he crossed the remarkable milestone of 900 professional goals—an unparalleled achievement in official matches. Currently sitting at 923 and having secured a record 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League last season, the prestigious target of 1,000 goals is tantalisingly close.
Despite these extraordinary achievements, Ronaldo has yet to lift a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, with the Arab Club Champions Cup of 2023 being his sole accolade at the club.
With his contract set to expire in June, uncertainty looms over his future, as there has been no announcement regarding a possible extension in Saudi Arabia.
Regardless of whether he stays, leaves, or retires, Ronaldo has undeniably transformed football’s landscape in the kingdom while simultaneously elevating his own brand.
“His presence was unquestionably vital for the Saudi World Cup bid, particularly given his consistently positive remarks about the country,” noted Egyptian football analyst Omar Nassef to AFP.
“Ronaldo’s arrival has paved the way for players from elite European leagues to join the Saudi league.”
“It’s not solely about the monetary compensation; it’s also about playing in a competition featuring one of the greatest players in the world.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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