Cristiano Ronaldo was presented at his new club, Al-Nassr Football Club. Around 30,000 fans were on hand to watch the Portuguese soccer star put on his new jersey, which he will wear until June 30, 2025. In his new contract, the player will receive around $210 million per season or, in other words, $27 per second.
Cristiano Ronaldo's reception attracted the attention of the whole world more than the World Cup in Qatar. Who agrees with me?#HalaRonaldo pic.twitter.com/DPsUrnyrNi
- فهد العتيبي (@FahadAlhero) January 3, 2023
As soon as he landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fans already began to see what his new club had in store for him.
Touchdown Riyadh 🤩@Cristiano #HalaRonaldo 💛
pic.twitter.com/ZUflrsBewX- AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 3, 2023
Ronaldo arrived at his new stadium, Mrsool Park, in a motorcade of more than five cars. The reception was in keeping with what a sports star deserves: a spectacle of lights, music and numerous fans received him in style at the entrance of the stadium, all chanting his name.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Marsoul Park Stadium in Riyadh for his Al-Nasr Club presentation ceremony ⚽️🇸🇦pic.twitter.com/mxBGnRYln2
- About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) January 3, 2023
THE GOAT HAS ARRIVED 🐐 pic.twitter.com/bj2g0Qb0Ma
- AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 3, 2023
"It's a challenge, not just a soccer challenge"
During his presentation, the Portuguese star said that he intends to continue winning titles in his new soccer adventure and that it represents a new "challenge" in his professional career. He also noted that he had the support of his family when he made the decision:
I came here to win. I want to enjoy and smile all together here at Al-Nassr. It is a challenge, not only in terms of soccer, to sign for Al-Nassr. My family is happy and supportive. In Arabia they are very happy with my arrival. It is my decision, my family has supported me, especially my children, we are proud. People in Saudi Arabia love me. The welcome was spectacular.
In the face of much speculation about his future, he confirmed that he had received offers from other leagues:
It is a great opportunity, not only in soccer, to change the mentality of the new generations. Many clubs from Australia, the United States and Portugal tried to sign me.
Media power
There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best footballers in history, some even say the best. Outside of soccer, his influence is matched by only very few.
His new club estimated that it sold more than two million jerseys with the number seven in the last two days since the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was confirmed. In addition, Al-Nassr managed to increase its Instagram account by 5.5 million followers in just 48 hours.
🟡🔵Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr's Instagram account has gone from 860K followers to 6.3m in a matter of days.
📲The Cristiano Ronaldo effect #CR7𓃵|#AlNassr pic.twitter.com/mUjc4IunaE
- FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) January 2, 2023
The date of Cristiano Ronaldo's debut with Al-Nassr is not yet clear, but it is possible that it will take place on Jan. 6, the day on which the Saudi club plays its next match. It will be seen how Ronaldo will affect his team both on and off the pitch, as the Portuguese footballer is a powerful media asset.
