Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself a new club following his high-profile departure from Manchester United last month.
Ronaldo and United agreed to mutually terminate his contract following the Portugal international's explosive interview with Piers Morgan in November.
The 37-year-old launched a scathing attack on the club's lack of ambition, transfer policy and United head coach Erik ten Hag, all in the wake of failing to secure a move away from Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Although it was suggested during the interview that Ronaldo wanted to stay in Europe for now to play Champions League football again — and extend his goalscoring record in the competition — he has instead signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, who have reportedly maid him the highest-paid footballer in history.
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
MORE: Why Messi staying at PSG makes perfect sense
Who are Al Nassr?
Al Nassr are one of the biggest domestic clubs in Saudi Arabia, based in the capital city Riyadh, and are managed by former Lyon and AS Roma boss Rudi Garcia.
The club are the second-most successful team in Saudi Arabia, with nine Saudi Pro League titles. Rivals Al Hilal have 18.
Al Nassr are aiming to grow their international profile in the coming years to challenge Al Hilal on a domestic level and compete in the AFC Champions League.
Ronaldo contract at Al Nassr
Spanish outlet Marca first claimed on December 5 that Ronaldo would formally join Al Nassr on January 1 following a post-World Cup break.
On December 22, Marca then claimed the contract would last until 2030 as Ronaldo plays for two and a half years before becoming an ambassador for Saudi Arabia as they bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Fabrizio Romano also said the deal would keep Ronaldo as an Al Nassr player until 2025.
Al Nassr are not required to pay a fee to United for Ronaldo — with his contract in England ending six months early — as he was a free agent and not restricted by FIFA's transfer window rules.
Free agent Cristiano Ronaldo will sign a 2.5-year contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in a deal potentially worth $200M per season, reports @marca 💰 pic.twitter.com/GHJeOKdtqf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2022
How much is Ronaldo's salary at Al Nassr?
Marca's report stated Ronaldo will receive a €100 million (£86.1m/$105m) signing-on fee from Al Nassr as the club work with the Saudi state to secure a deal.
With his salary and commercial agreement combined, Ronaldo will reportedly earn close to €200m per year (£172m/$211m), making him the highest-paid football on the planet.
Paris Saint-Germain duo Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were previously the top earners in world football, with $110m/£96m and $65m/£56.7m in basic income.
According to reports, MLS side Sporting Kansas City also held talks with Ronaldo and offered a similar level of pay, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner decided against a move to the United States.
Why did Al Nassr sign Ronaldo?
Al Nassr's move for Ronaldo is motivated by their desire to become a major power in Asian football, to compete with their Arab neighbours, and challenge clubs from China, Japan and South Korea on a continental level.
The club are anxious to match other Asian superpowers in their ability to attract star names from Europe and Ronaldo represents a significant move towards that goal.
The deal is also expected to play a role in Saudi Arabia's wider bid for the 2030 World Cup, following on from the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with Ronaldo tipped to play an ambassadorial role in the host selection process.
Ronaldo himself told Piers Morgan that he rejected an offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club prior to the start of 2022/23.
