Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has secured what may be the most lucrative deal in football history, signing with Saudi club Al Nassr on terms that have left fans and pundits stunned. His new contract, reportedly worth an eye-watering £178 million (S$306 million) per year, cements his place not just as a football icon, but also as one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet.
Ronaldo will earn an astonishing £3.4 million (S$5.84 million) every week. On top of that, he receives a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, currently valued at £33 million (S$56.8 million). His signing bonus alone starts at £24.5 million (S$42.1 million), rising to £38 million (S$65.4 million) if his contract extends into a second year. These record-breaking figures showcase the extraordinary financial power behind football sponsorships in the Middle East.
The incentives tied to his performance are just as staggering. Ronaldo will pocket £80,000 (S$137,600) for every goal he scores, increasing by 20% in the second year. Each assist he makes nets him £40,000 (S$68,800), again with a 20% bump if he stays on. Winning the Saudi Pro League will earn him an additional £8 million (S$13.76 million), while clinching the Golden Boot brings in £4 million (S$6.88 million).
Bonuses, Perks, and a Personal Army of Staff
The financial rewards continue with a massive £6.5 million (S$11.18 million) bonus if Al Nassr capture the AFC Champions League trophy. Not to mention, the club will cover £4 million (S$6.88 million) in private jet expenses, ensuring Ronaldo travels in the utmost luxury.
In a nod to his global commercial appeal, the deal also guarantees Ronaldo £60 million (S$103.2 million) in sponsorship income — a figure that underscores how Al Nassr intends to leverage his superstar brand to elevate the club’s profile internationally.
To support his every need on and off the pitch, Ronaldo will employ a dedicated 16-person staff. This includes two personal chefs to maintain his strict nutrition plan, four security guards to ensure his safety, three drivers for seamless transport, four housekeepers to manage his multiple residences, and three gardeners to keep his surroundings pristine.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Game-Changer for Al Nassr and Saudi Football
Cristiano Ronaldo’s unprecedented contract is more than a personal windfall — it signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to use world-class footballers to boost the Saudi Pro League’s competitiveness and visibility. With these extraordinary salary figures, performance bonuses, and lifestyle perks, Ronaldo’s move could transform Al Nassr into a powerhouse and inspire more elite players to consider Middle Eastern clubs.
Whether he can deliver trophies and a Golden Boot to match these incredible incentives remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract has set a new standard for what it means to be a football superstar in today’s game.