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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40th Birthday in Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s professional days may be limited but his following is bigger than ever as he spends his 40th birthday in his chosen home of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
In a reported $250 million agreement, the Portuguese legend moved to Al Nassr in Riyadh two years ago, seemingly exchanging football obscurity for an end-of-career salary.
His impact was evident when he was followed to the high-spending Saudi Pro League by a line of aging superstars, such as Karim Benzema and the always injured Neymar.
The crowning achievement of the oil-rich kingdom’s attempt to improve its image via sports, tourism, and culture was the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia was granted in December.
Ronaldo’s Social Media Success
Ronaldo, a Saudi World Cup ambassador and current internet sensation with over a billion followers on social media, has been in the forefront of the movement.
In just ninety minutes after launching his YouTube account in August, Ronaldo had one million followers, and in just twenty hours, he had twenty million. Right now, he has 73.5 million.
Ronaldo is just as vivacious on the field as he is online, despite his flawless white teeth, protruding body, and commercial endorsements.
Ronaldo’s Performance in Saudi Arabia
He scored two goals for Al Nassr on Monday, including his signature leaping header, and he criticizes his teammates’ and his own errors with the same ferocity as if he were still playing Real Madrid in the El Clasico.
According to Simon Chadwick, professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School, “it would have been easy for Ronaldo to take Saudi Arabian money and gradually fade from view because one’s physical prowess diminishes with age,” he told AFP.
“However, the gusto and passion that he seems to display indicates a consummate competent, a devoted player, and a physically determined athlete, the likes of which we don’t often see,” he said.
Record: 35 goals last season
Ronaldo has yet to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, with the Arab Club Champions Cup of 2023 being his only victory with the team. Despite this incredible form, questions now surround his future as his contract expires in June, with no confirmation on whether he will extend his stint in Saudi Arabia. In September, he passed 900 professional goals, an unmatched feat in official matches. With a record 35 Saudi Pro League goals last season, the coveted 1,000 is not far away.
He has permanently altered football in the desert nation while also building his own brand, so stay, go, or retire.
Omar Nassef, a football commentator for Egyptian TV, told AFP, “His presence was definitely important for the Saudi bid for the World Cup, especially with his constant positive talk about Saudi Arabia.”
“Players from top European teams were able to enter the Saudi league straight thanks to Ronaldo’s arrival.
“It’s not only about the quantity of money, it’s also about the opportunity to participate in a league that has one of the best players in the world.”
