Latest news with #CristianoRonaldo
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Man United team-mate pokes fun at his staggering new '£492MILLION Al-Nassr deal' with hilarious four-word message
One of Cristiano Ronaldo 's former Manchester United team-mates took to social media to poke fun at his staggering new contract with Al-Nassr. Football's all-time leading goalscorer put pen to paper on a two-year deal, which is reportedly the most lucrative in sporting history, worth a basic £492million over its duration. The new terms, which will take him past his 42nd birthday, reportedly include an eye-watering basic salary of £488,000-a-day. Additionally, he is reportedly pocketing a signing bonus of £24.5m which increases to £38m if he triggers the second year of his contract. It is understood that he has also been given a 15 per cent ownership stake in the club worth £33m. In light of these eye-watering numbers, ex-Man United goalkeeper David De Gea could not help but share his reaction online. Under Ronaldo's post on X announcing his new contract, the Spaniard wrote ironically: 'And playing for free,' followed by a laughing emoji and an eyes emoji. De Gea and Ronaldo's were team-mates during the latter's second spell at Old Trafford. Both men have since left United in acrimonious circumstances. Ronaldo fell out of favour under former manager Erik ten Hag and orchestrated his own exit through a bombshell interview. On the other hand, De Gea departed as a free agent in the summer of 2023, and was replaced by Andre Onana. Ronaldo and De Gea are understood to have a good relationship off the field, with both players following each other on social media, and the latter seen commenting on many of Ronaldo's posts over the years. De Gea now suits up for Fiorentina, with whom he signed a new contract last month, keeping him in Italy until 2028. The shot-stopper made 545 appearances over 12 years at United - the seventh-most in club history. Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored 35 goals in 41 matches in all competitions last term and was the Saudi Pro League's top scorer for the second season running. In all, he has netted 99 times in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr and is inching closer to his dream of reaching 1,000 senior career goals. His current tally stands at 938. In addition to the ludicrous sums involved in Ronaldo's deal, The Sun claim that Ronaldo and his family will have 16 people working full-time for them. These include three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners and four security people - who will be paid for by Al-Nassr at a cost of around £1.4m. Furthermore, there is £4m for use of a private jet, as well as the promise of sponsorship deals with Saudi companies which could reach £60m.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The incredible numbers behind the world's fastest growing sport: New study shows why everyone is talking about padel
Padel has taken the world by storm over the past few years and a new study has revealed the staggering numbers which demonstrate its rise in popularity. The sport, typically played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by glass - was invented by a Mexican businessman in the 1960s. It has now garnered the title of the planet's 'fastest growing sport' with a meteoric rise in recent times. Playtomic's 2025 Global Padel Report, which is widely referred to as 'the Bible of Padel' has highlighted the continued international rise and impact of the sport. 3,282 new clubs opened worldwide in 2024 at an average on almost nine new openings a day (a 22% increase from 2023). 7,187 new courts were built which put the total number of courts worldwide above 50,000. The 26 per cent year-over-year growth in clubs and 17 per cent growth is reflective of a sport that has now made its way into the mainstream. And it is only expected to continue picking up pace with more than 81,000 padel courts are expected to be built by 2027. Unsurprisingly, international investors are flocking to padel, including several famous faces. Andy Murray backs Game4Padel, a padel court building company which is bringing the sport to Westfield London, and Cristiano Ronaldo has put money into a giant facility in Lisbon. Padel was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 2019, was officially designated a discipline of tennis in Britain in 2020. It was played at the European Games in Poland in 2023, in its first appearance in a major multi-sport event, and the annual Hexagon Cup - a visionary competition held in Madrid played between teams helmed by celebrities including Lionel Messi and Andy Murray - held its draft for the February 2025 tournament at the start of last month. PwC's Head of the Global Padel Report, Elena Martin mentioned: 'We are delighted to see that the sector has returned to a path of organic and sustainable growth, following the post-COVID activity surge and the adjustments made in 2023. 'With over 50,000 leads currently, development remains strong, particularly in key markets such as France and the United Kingdom. Our projections suggest that this growth momentum will continue in the years ahead.'
New York Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract includes staggering $670,000 per day and private jet
Cristiano Ronaldo has signed one of the most lucrative contracts in sports history. The 40-year-old Portuguese striker has signed a two-year contract extension with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassar worth $675 million along the will pay him approximately $670,000 per day, according to The Sun. On top of that, he netted a signing bonus worth over $33 million, which jumps to $52 million if he triggers the second year of his contract. Advertisement Ronaldo was also given a 15 percent ownership stake in the club Al-Nassar, which is estimated to be worth over $45 million. When all of the bonuses and incentives are added up, Ronaldo will be able to earn over $685 million. There's more than money to the deal: the superstar forward will have 16 employees working for him and his family, all paid by Al Nassar. He will also have private jet access during the entirety of his contract. Many believed that Ronaldo was on the way out at the end of the season after he posted a cryptic message on X on May 26: 'This Chapter is over, the story? Still being written. Grateful to all.' Advertisement He nodded to that post in an update on Thursday announcing the extension. 'A new chapter begins,' he wrote on social media. 'Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' Many thought Ronaldo would try to join a team competing in the Club World Cup. Advertisement Ronaldo playing for Al-Nassr. AFP via Getty Images Ronaldo hoisting the trophy after winning the UEFA Nations League final AFP via Getty Images However, those sentiments seemed to have shifted after Portugal won the UEFA Nations League final against Spain on penalties. 'The ambition I feel has no finish line. It is consistency, commitment and collective work that will make us better. And that is the task I am working towards. We are starting a new chapter!' he said, according to Portuguese outlet Record. Advertisement The only championship Ronaldo helped Al-Nassar win was the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. But the lack of results on the pitch for Al-Nassar has not been Ronaldo's fault. He has scored 93 goals in 105 matches with the club, which would be enough to win the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot twice. With Ronaldo locked into a contract for two more years, it's a question whether Al-Nassar can make a push for its first SPL title since signing the star in 2022.
Gulf Today
14 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr until 2027
Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which team he would sign for next season. "Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027," the club wrote in a post on X. Minutes before the official confirmation, the team posted a teaser video, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and saying: "Al Nassr forever". The Portuguese superstar arrived in 2023 in the kingdom to play with the club, heralding a rush of players in the latter stages of their careers to the oil-rich country. Last month, Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again. Cristiano Ronaldo signs a new deal with the Saudi club, in the presence of club chairman Abdullah Al Majid at an undisclosed location. AFP "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), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP last month. The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli. Ronaldo's announcement in May came just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year. Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month. Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals. Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move in late 2022, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034. For the past two years, Saudi football fans could watch the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with six Ballons d'Or between them, on any given weekend during the football season in the kingdom. Agence France-Presse
Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cristiano Ronaldo new contract breakdown: Eye-watering daily and weekly salary
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to rake in an eye-watering €576 million over a span of two years following his latest contract with Al-Nassr, a deal that also grants him an ownership stake in the club. At 40, the iconic Portuguese footballer has put pen to paper amidst much speculation about his next move. Ronaldo took to social media to share his excitement about this new chapter, stating, "A new chapter begins," and adding, "Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together." Despite celebrating his 40th birthday earlier this year, Ronaldo has bagged himself a handsome increase in his earnings. The superstar has even triggered a cheeky remark from his former teammate David De Gea, who quipped: "And playing for free," accompanied by a laughing emoji and the side-eye emoji. De Gea couldn't resist the jest at the news of Ronaldo's massive deal with Al-Nassr, where he'll pocket a staggering €571,000 daily wage and almost €4m per week. This comes alongside his role as a 'dream ambassador', a position that brings additional lucrative benefits, according to recent reports. Ronaldo's impressive agreement includes a yearly salary of €208m plus an initial signing bonus of €28.7m, which could swell to €44m if he stays for the second year of his contract. Further incentives involve bonuses, potentially netting him €4.6m for top scorer honours and another €9.4m if he clinches the league crown, reports the Mirror. The football legend will enjoy the services of a 16-person entourage full-time, including three private drivers, four housekeepers, two personal chefs, three gardeners, and four security staffers, all amounting to €1.6m. Additionally, he'll have the luxury of using a private jet valued at €4.7m, as well as the prospect of raking in up to €70m from sponsorship deals with Saudi businesses. Ronaldo has bagged himself a 15 per cent stake in Al-Nassr as part of his lucrative deal, with the football icon setting his sights on winning trophies with the Saudi club. After celebrating his 40th birthday, Ronaldo shared his future plans, expressing a keen interest in owning multiple football clubs rather than pursuing a career in coaching. "It doesn't make a lot of sense to be director of a club. If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO? ," he divulged to Canal 11 earlier this year. "That is a dream of mine and I am sure I'll be a club owner. And I'll tell you more. I hope to have not just one club, but several clubs." In June, Ronaldo admitted that while he had been approached by many, he decided against a move for the Club World Cup. "There have been a lot of contacts, I see things that make sense, others that don't, as the other guy says, you can't go to everything, you have to think short, medium and long term," he explained. "It's a decision that has practically been made on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had a lot of invitations."
