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Cristiano Ronaldo claims to have been left “amazed” by the progress being made in Saudi Arabia as the country takes “sports to a whole new dimension”.
- Portuguese icon started football trend
- Joined in Middle East by other household names
- Other huge events taking place in the region
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Portuguese superstar forms part of that process, having made his own move to the Middle East at the start of 2023. Following his dramatic release by Manchester United, Ronaldo is now on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
He has hit more than 50 goals in the calendar year, despite now being 38 years of age, and has been joined in an emerging division by a steady stream of top talent – including the likes of Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
It is not just football that is booming in the Middle East, though, with huge boxing events, Formula One races, golf tours and elite cricket heading to the region. Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were on show at the latest fight night, with Ronaldo joining UFC legend Conor McGregor at ringside for that spectacle. He has since posted on social media: “Taking sports to a whole new dimension. Unparalleled vision and execution. Can’t stop being amazed.”
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO & SAUDI ARABIA?
Ronaldo has helped to raise the profile of sport in the Middle East, as big money is invested, and his contract at Al-Nassr – which is the most lucrative in world football – is due to run until 2025. It has already been confirmed that the FIFA World Cup will be heading to Saudi Arabia in 2034.
