Latest news with #AlNassrFC
Sunday World
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
How Cristiano Ronaldo beat Lionel Messi by playing the fame game
Ageing Portuguese star's online status nets more than his goals, which is why he is the world's highest-paid athlete yet again AL MUBARRAZ, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr passing the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh on May 26, 2025 in Al Mubarraz, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Al Nassr FC/Al Nassr FC via Getty Images) RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on May 07, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Tyson Fury, left, ranks third in the list of the world's 50 highest-paid athletes. Photo: Nick Potts/PA Images Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed a new two-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr worth well over €500m As the financial details of Cristiano Ronaldo's new deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr emerged on Thursday, we were reminded that sport has become an extension of the entertainment business. Roll the clock back 20 years and the notion that a footballer who has already toasted his 40th birthday would be handed a two-year contract worth over €500m would have been impossible to imagine. Throw in a €28.7m signing-on fee as well as shares in the club and Ronaldo has been handed a financial package that is hard to fathom. There is no doubt that the Portuguese superstar is football's ultimate sporting commodity. His status as the personality with the most social media followers in the world is now just as significant as the goals he brings to the Saudi league. Ronaldo has found the back of the net 99 times in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr and, with a current tally of 938 for club and country, is well on his way to reaching 1,000 senior goals. This wildly ambitious athlete has made no secret of his desire to take his goal tally into four figures and he will get there following this extension of his career, yet the latest chapter of his story is not the one that will add to his legacy. That legend was created in his first spell at Manchester United and then at Real Madrid. His time at Juventus served up flashes of memorable moments, even though his sporting powers were clearly waning. Ronaldo's brief and turbulent second spell at United cemented his status as an icon who has become as big as the mighty club he was playing for. The value of an asset like Ronaldo is bigger to club owners than any manager tasked with trying to control him. That triggering term 'influencer' sends a shiver of annoyance down the spine of those who struggle to accept 'heroes' who rant and rave on TikTok after anything more than an annoyance. Yet the world's biggest brands appreciate the power of a super influencer and none come bigger than Ronaldo. The sands of time may have washed over his talents as his pace and influence at the highest level of the game have waned, yet Ronaldo has replaced sporting relevance with something far more valuable to potential sponsors in the modern world. His status is now worth as much in the marketplace as a winning goal in a Saudi Pro League game very few football lovers will watch. The reach Ronaldo has on his social media accounts ensures that every post he makes is worth millions to sponsors, with an endorsement from a footballer who may still be the most recognisable in the world a priceless endorsement. The announcement of his new deal with Al-Nassr attracted six million likes and 80,000 comments. That level of positive engagement is now a currency that is worth more than any sporting talent. Ronaldo is not alone in appreciating his value as an influencer who can change the face of a brand with the flick of a few fingers on his Instagram account, which boasts an astonishing 658 million followers. We may never see another athlete like Ronaldo for so many reasons, yet a handful of A-listers are jockeying for position in a marketplace that is eager to throw money at those who can move the needle with their target audience. One of those will set foot back on Centre Court tomorrow to begin the defence of his Wimbledon title. Carlos Alcaraz is the reigning Wimbledon men's singles champion. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is a 22-year-old who has that valuable quality of being loved and idolised by young fans and respected and admired by more mature audiences. That explains why hydration giants Evian announced a long-term deal with Alcaraz believed to be worth well more than £1m-a-year. Throw in his deals with Nike, Babolat, Rolex, BMW, Calvin Klein and Louis Vuitton and Alcaraz is emerging as one of the most valued athletes in world sport. His fellow tennis player Coco Gauff, who was crowned French Open champion earlier this month, was listed by Forbes as the highest-paid sportswoman in the world. Her income from prize money and sponsorship deals topped £20m a year due to her appeal to young females and especially black girls, who look up to her as one of their ultimate role models. Yet Gauff's considerable earnings look modest compared to the highest-paid athletes in the world. The dominance of men on the latest Forbes rich list is not just due to a gender pay gap. Instead, it is a supply and demand issue that ensures broadcast and sponsorship rights for sporting occasions featuring male athletes are several times larger than female-only events. As a result, no women appeared in the top 50 of the highest-earning athletes of the year, with tennis one of the only sports that has joint events with male and female participants and also offers equal prize money at their four Grand Slam tournaments. Tyson Fury, left, ranks third in the list of the world's 50 highest-paid athletes. Photo: Nick Potts/PA Images High on the rich list is Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry, who earned an estimated $156m in the last year through wages and sponsorship deals. Boxer Tyson Fury is next on the list on $146m thanks to the huge money handed out by Saudi Arabian boxing chiefs for mega fights in their country. Lionel Messi's enduring appeal sees him sitting in the top 10 of the biggest earners in sport last year, but he is some way behind Ronaldo with $135m in wages and sponsorship income from the last year. Soccer star Karim Benzema may be a surprise entry as one of sport's biggest earners, with the French soccer star earning $104m, primarily in wages from Saudi club Al-Ittihad. The influencer tag on these highly-paid athletes is also being boosted by their investments, with retired tennis star Roger Federer a shining example of a sporting icon who has used his name to promote the On shoe brand. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was handed a reported three per cent stake in the company in return for publicly supporting the brand. It proved a masterstroke, as the Federer connection launched On into the stratosphere. It's now valued at over $16billion, with Federer's share worth almost $500m. The last 30 years have transformed the landscape for athletes who earn the right to be on the A-list and the riches they are reaping go well beyond the sporting fields.
Roya News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract extension with Al Nassr till 2027
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially committed his future to Al Nassr, signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Saudi Pro League club until 2027. The announcement, made by the club on Thursday via a post on X, ends weeks of speculation about the football legend's next move. Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 'Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027,' the club declared. Ronaldo first joined Al Nassr in 2023, becoming one of the earliest high-profile players to make the move to Saudi Arabia. His arrival marked a turning point in the league's global visibility, sparking an influx of veteran stars to the Gulf state's top clubs. Despite finishing third in the league and ending the season without a trophy, Ronaldo hinted at uncertainty about his future in May, posting cryptically on social media, 'This chapter is over.' The post fueled rumors of a possible transfer or retirement. However, the new deal signals renewed confidence in the club's project and in Ronaldo's role in it. 'Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,' a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) told Agence France-Presse (AFP) last month. The PIF, Saudi Arabia's oil-funded sovereign wealth fund, holds major stakes in several Pro League teams, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli, and has played a central role in the country's ambitious efforts to elevate its football scene onto the global stage.
North Wales Chronicle
26-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Cristiano Ronaldo extends stay in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr
The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo wrote on X: 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. 🟡🔵 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 A club post announcing the deal said: 'AlNassr Club Company officially signed a contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo. 'AlNassr captain contract will be valid until 2027.' Ronaldo had posted on social media 'the chapter is over' following Al Nassr's final league game of the season last month. Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 💛🤩 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 The post fuelled speculation that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was to leave the Riyadh club. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. He has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al Nassr and netted 35 last season to win the SPL's golden boot award for top scorer. The Story continues.. 🐐 💛 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 Ronaldo has scored 938 goals for club and country in his career, needing 62 to reach the four-figure mark. Al Nassr are currently without a manager after parting company with Stefano Pioli on Wednesday. Former AC Milan and Inter boss Pioli, who was appointed in September, led Al Nassr to a third-placed finish in the SPL last season, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad.
Leader Live
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Cristiano Ronaldo extends stay in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr
The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo wrote on X: 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. 🟡🔵 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 A club post announcing the deal said: 'AlNassr Club Company officially signed a contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo. 'AlNassr captain contract will be valid until 2027.' Ronaldo had posted on social media 'the chapter is over' following Al Nassr's final league game of the season last month. Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 💛🤩 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 The post fuelled speculation that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was to leave the Riyadh club. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. He has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al Nassr and netted 35 last season to win the SPL's golden boot award for top scorer. The Story continues.. 🐐 💛 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 Ronaldo has scored 938 goals for club and country in his career, needing 62 to reach the four-figure mark. Al Nassr are currently without a manager after parting company with Stefano Pioli on Wednesday. Former AC Milan and Inter boss Pioli, who was appointed in September, led Al Nassr to a third-placed finish in the SPL last season, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad.
Rhyl Journal
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Cristiano Ronaldo extends stay in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr
The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo wrote on X: 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. 🟡🔵 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 A club post announcing the deal said: 'AlNassr Club Company officially signed a contract extension with Cristiano Ronaldo. 'AlNassr captain contract will be valid until 2027.' Ronaldo had posted on social media 'the chapter is over' following Al Nassr's final league game of the season last month. Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 💛🤩 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 The post fuelled speculation that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was to leave the Riyadh club. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. He has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al Nassr and netted 35 last season to win the SPL's golden boot award for top scorer. The Story continues.. 🐐 💛 — AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025 Ronaldo has scored 938 goals for club and country in his career, needing 62 to reach the four-figure mark. Al Nassr are currently without a manager after parting company with Stefano Pioli on Wednesday. Former AC Milan and Inter boss Pioli, who was appointed in September, led Al Nassr to a third-placed finish in the SPL last season, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad.
