Business of Sport Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr By Frank Praverman December 31, 2022, 9:02 AM Al Nassr/Twitter Ronaldo will wear his iconic No 7 shirt at Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo has signed for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in a deal that is expected to earn him over $200 million a year. The Portuguese striker, 37, agreed a contract yesterday that runs until 2025. He was a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement in November following an interview he gave on Talk TV criticising the club. Qatar 2022: The making of a sports nationManchester United owners mull selling Premier League icon “I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia,” Ronaldo said. The Portugal captain is regarded as one of the best footballers ever and has a trophy haul that includes five Ballon D’Or awards, five Champions Leagues, three Premier League titles with United, two La Ligas with Real Madrid and the European Championship with his country. Reuters/Ahmed YosriThis will be home to Ronaldo for the next two years Al Nassr have won the Saudi Pro League nine times and said on Twitter that securing the move was “history in the making”. They added that Ronaldo joining would “inspire our league, nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves”. History in the making. This is a signing that will not only inspire our club to achieve even greater success but inspire our league, our nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves. Welcome @Cristiano to your new home @AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/oan7nu8NWC— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) December 30, 2022 Ronaldo played in the recent World Cup in Qatar, scoring in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Ghana which made him the first man to score at five World Cups. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later