Unprecedented Deal: Ronaldo Secures Historic Al Nassr Contract with Club Ownership Stake

Ronaldo’s Mega-Deal: More Than Just a Player

European media outlets are buzzing with news that Cristiano Ronaldo has inked an extraordinary new deal with Saudi club Al Nassr, featuring terms previously unheard of in the history of football. This agreement solidifies Ronaldo’s commitment to Al Nassr for an additional two years, positioning him for a long-term role that transcends traditional player contracts.

For weeks, speculation swirled around Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr this summer. However, after much deliberation, the Portuguese superstar has opted to extend his tenure with the Saudi Arabian club, cementing his place in their ambitious project.

Behind the Scenes: Managerial Changes Pave the Way

Just a day prior to the contract announcement, Al Nassr reportedly acceded to Ronaldo’s demands by dismissing head coach Stefano Pioli. Sources indicate a significant conflict between the Portuguese icon and the Italian coach over the past two months, suggesting Ronaldo’s influence extends deeply into the club’s strategic decisions.

The removal of Pioli seemingly cleared the path for Ronaldo’s new contract. Media outlets like Marca, Goal, and ProbitasReport are reporting that CR7’s new terms are truly unprecedented in the football world.

Astounding Financials and Groundbreaking Ownership

While the exact figures vary slightly, reports suggest Ronaldo will command an estimated €550,000 per day, translating to roughly €3.8 million per week, €15.2 million per month, and an staggering €183 million annually.

This colossal salary ensures Ronaldo retains his position as the highest-paid footballer globally, even with a slight adjustment from his previous reported €200 million annual earnings. However, the financial aspect is just one piece of this monumental deal.

A Stake in the Future: Ronaldo Becomes a Shareholder

The most remarkable element of Ronaldo’s new contract is the reported offering of a 5% ownership stake in the club. This extraordinary clause transforms Ronaldo into a shareholder and a strategic partner, granting him influence far beyond the pitch and enabling his participation in shaping the club’s long-term vision.

Given that Al Nassr is 75% owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), integrating Ronaldo into the ownership structure could carry significant implications for the club’s public image and future investments. This move signals a profound commitment from Al Nassr to build their project around Ronaldo, extending his impact well into his 40s. With Pioli’s departure, a comprehensive squad overhaul is also anticipated.

Setting New Precedents in Football

This inclusion of a club ownership stake in a player’s contract is truly unprecedented in top-tier football. While Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract reportedly included an option to purchase a club stake after retirement, that particular clause has yet to be activated. Similarly, David Beckham was famously granted an option to buy an MLS club at a favorable price in the past.

Ronaldo’s deal, however, brings immediate ownership and a direct strategic partnership, setting a new benchmark for player contracts and blurring the lines between athlete and executive in the world’s most popular sport.