Ronaldo Secures Most Lucrative Sports Deal in History, Worth Up to $676 Million
British media reports indicate Cristiano Ronaldo has finalized a contract extension with Al Nassr that redefines the financial landscape of professional sports. The deal surpasses his previous agreement with the club, which saw him earning $200 million annually when he first joined in January 2023.
The new contract, officially announced on June 26, offers the 40-year-old striker a staggering $670,000 per day, translating to $4.67 million per week or $245 million per year. Beyond the base salary, Ronaldo has been granted a 15% stake in Al Nassr, valued at approximately $45 million, bringing the club’s total valuation to around $300 million.
Ronaldo received a $34 million signing bonus, which will increase to $52 million should he remain with Al Nassr for the duration of the contract. Performance-based incentives further sweeten the deal. The Portuguese star will earn $110,000 for each goal scored and $55,000 for every assist, with both figures set to increase by 20% in the second year. Team success is also heavily incentivized: a Saudi Pro League title will net Ronaldo an additional $11 million, while claiming the league’s top scorer title will add $5.5 million to his earnings. Victory in the AFC Champions League Elite would yield a $9 million bonus, though Al Nassr will initially compete in the AFC Champions League Two starting in the 2025-2026 season.
The financial commitment to Ronaldo extends beyond on-field performance. Al Nassr will cover all travel expenses, including the provision of a $4.5 million private jet. The club has also pledged to secure advertising contracts with Asian companies, potentially adding another $83 million to Ronaldo’s income.
The total potential earnings from this contract reach an estimated $676 million. This figure does not include the annual cost of $1.9 million for the 16 full-time staff members dedicated to Ronaldo and his family, comprising three drivers, four maids, two chefs, three gardeners, and four security personnel.
Al Nassr is owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), a sovereign wealth fund with assets exceeding $900 billion, according to Reuters. The PIF also controls other prominent Saudi football clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. A senior official within the ownership group expressed concern regarding the possibility of Ronaldo departing Saudi Arabia when his contract expires.
Given Ronaldo’s pivotal role as the face of Saudi football, Al Nassr has made substantial investments to ensure his continued presence. The recent contract extension followed a period of internal restructuring at the club, including the termination of coach Stefano Pioli’s contract on June 25 and the earlier dismissal of CEO Majed Al-Jamaan. The future of football director Fernando Hierro remains uncertain.
These changes underscore the club’s determination to build a winning team around its star player and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a growing force in the global football landscape.
