Cristiano Ronaldo finally admits Saudi Arabia’s money is reason for transfer

Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the lid on why he believed the Saudi Pro League would see an influx of top players following his move. The football icon shocked the world with his transfer to Al-Nassr from Manchester United after an acrimonious split from the Premier League side in 2022.

The 39-year-old forward subsequently moved to the Middle East, prompting a surge of talented players to follow him to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning league. Speaking on his UR Cristiano Ronaldo YouTube channel, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that money is “the main reason” top players from European football have moved to the Saudi Pro League.

“Any place I play, I show my level,” he said. “I knew that there [Saudi Arabia] I would show my level as well. I will improve the league, and I knew that players would follow me.”

True to his prediction, a parade of big names followed suit, including his ex-Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema, and global superstars such as N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, and Neymar, who famously said: “Cristiano started all of this, and they called him crazy.”

Ronaldo talked up the appeal of Saudi Arabian football, reflecting on the combination of financial allure and sporting culture. “I knew that players would follow because, not only in financial terms, which is the main point you can say, but as well the culture of football,” he said, adding: “I knew the culture of Saudi football was nice because I had friends who played there before, Portuguese coaches were there.”

He also expressed a belief in influencing the game’s landscape: “Of course, if you ask me: You expect so quickly for big stars would move there? No. But, I expected the football would change because of me. I believe in myself, not only in football but in other areas as well.”

According to multiple reports, Al Nassr pay the Portuguese star £173million-a-year. That doesn’t just include his salary, as his image rights and commercial deals also contribute to the figure. This vast amount breaks down into £3.6m-a-week, £514,000-a-day, and £21,400-an-hour.

Neymar is reportedly earning in the region of £2.5million-a-week at Al-Hilal, while former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is said to be on around £750,000 a week at Al-Ahli.

Yet despite openly acknowledging the financial incentives as a powerful draw, Ronaldo insisted he felt no pressure leading the charge into Saudi football – he let his boots do the talking, smashing 35 goals to set a new Saudi Pro League scoring record last season.

“To be honest there was zero pressure moving,” he claimed. “I didn’t have any pressure. I didn’t feel any pressure. Of course you have other issues. Does it make sense? Will it work out professionally? But to be honest, I felt free.”