Latest news with #Ronaldo
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ronaldo vindicated Jurgen Klopp's transfer stance after ruling Liverpool out
Jurgen Klopp spent nine years as Liverpool manager, winning a host of major honours and building a squad that is still going strong without him - and he had a very clear transfer strategy Jurgen Klopp's approach to transfers at Liverpool, focusing on long-term prospects rather than big-name signings, has proven to be a winning strategy. The German will be remembered as one of Anfield's most successful managers, having led the Reds to Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup glory during his nine-year tenure. His exceptional man-management skills, tactical acumen and tireless work ethic were key to Liverpool's successes between 2015 to 2024, but his transfer strategy also played a significant role. In the summer of 2021, the 58-year-old gave a glimpse into his recruitment philosophy. Amidst rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a Premier League return with Manchester City, Klopp explained why he would avoid splashing out on a player already in or past their prime - given Ronaldo was 36 at the time. Instead, he shared a preference for planning for the future with his signings. When asked about Ronaldo at the time, Klopp said: "I watch that like a football supporter actually. I have no more knowledge about it, you probably have much more knowledge about it, if it will happen or not, than I have. "It's not about me to judge that. It's about if other clubs can do things like this, it's obviously not business for the future. In three or four years we will have the benefit of that, it's for now and immediately if that happens. "That is how some clubs are obviously working and that is absolutely fine, but there must be different ways. There must be a team a year later and two years later, for us at least. And three years later as well. "You need success. We felt that if you can win trophies it is great but it's not, even with the best squad in the world, possible every year. If that's not possible, you still need to make sure you develop as a team and a club. "That's what we did and that's what we do. Anything else is really not in our hands. We watch it like all of you and will see what happens," reports the Liverpool Echo. It turned out that Pep Guardiola had no intention of bringing the Portuguese superstar to the Etihad Stadium, and Ronaldo eventually made his way back to Old Trafford in 2021 in a £12.8million transfer from Juventus. His second stint at Manchester United was short-lived, as he parted ways with the club after just one season and took up a new challenge with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Klopp's strategy has clearly paid dividends for Liverpool in the long term, with many of his early signings still forming the backbone of the team as the club heads into 2025/26 season without him. For instance, Klopp splashed out £43.9m on a 25-year-old Mohamed Salah from Roma back in 2017 - a player who ended up as the Premier League's top goal-scorer this season. Other key figures that Klopp brought to Anfield and are still part of the squad include Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott and Diogo Jota. And it seems Arne Slot is following in Klopp's footsteps. The Dutchman, fresh off a Premier League-winning debut season with Liverpool, has been quick to make changes to his squad in the current transfer window. Following the departure of first-choice right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot swiftly secured the services of Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong in a £29.5m deal. At just 24, the versatile star only looks set to improve, and with a contract until 2028, Liverpool know they have a dependable player for the next three seasons. In addition, Liverpool broke their club-record transfer fee by also signing Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen earlier this month, in a deal believed to be worth around £116m. The German international is currently just 22 years old, and with the deal reportedly set to last until 2030, Liverpool could reap the rewards of his prime years. Moreover, if European powerhouses such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or PSG show interest in the future, Liverpool could potentially make a significant profit from their investment, should they decide to let him go. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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."
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Salary over half-a-billion, ownership stake, 38m sign-on fee: Cristiano Ronaldo's new Al Nassr contract details
Jun 27, 2025 05:32 PM IST Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, following weeks of speculation over his future. After the official confirmation, the club also posted a teaser video with Ronaldo walking along a beachfront and stating, 'Al Nassr forever' Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during a match.(REUTERS) Ronaldo is already 40-years-old now and his Saudi Arabia adventure hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Al Nassr has also missed out on AFC Champions Elite qualification for this season and the Portugal international had also hinted at an exit. But now it looks like he will end his career with Al Nassr. According to a report by The Sun, Ronaldo has also received a signing-on fee of 24.5 million pounds, which will increase to 38 million pounds if he remains in the second year of his contract. According to The Sun report, he will also be earning 178 million pounds each year in wages, which is 488,000 pounds per day. Ronaldo will earn 492 million pounds, which could go up to over half a billion pounds if he triggers his bonuses of 4 million pounds (for winning the Golden Boot) and 8 million pounds if Al Nassr win the title. The report also mentions that Ronaldo has been given a 15 percent ownership stake in the club, which is worth 33 million pounds. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United. The move made him the highest-paid athlete in the world and he has also topped the list for the last three years, according to Forbes. Ronaldo's tenure with the club saw them miss out on major trophies, and they only bagged the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023. Al Nassr finished in second position in the league in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, and also came third in the previous campaign. Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
