Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the most lucrative contract in sporting history, signing a deal worth at least £492 million over two years with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward will earn an extraordinary £488,000 per day in basic salary under the new agreement, which keeps him at the club until age 42.
His new record-breaking contract represents a significant pay rise for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, who will receive £178million annually in wages alone, reports The Sun.
The deal surpasses all previous sporting contracts and could potentially exceed half a billion pounds when including various bonuses and incentives built into the agreement.
Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the most lucrative contract in sporting history, signing a deal worth at least £492 million over two years with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr
INSTAGRAM/REUTERS
Beyond his basic salary, Ronaldo will receive a £24.5m signing bonus, which increases to £38m if he activates the second year of his contract.
The agreement includes a 15 per cent ownership stake in Al-Nassr, valued at £33m, cementing his long-term relationship with the Saudi Pro League club.
Performance-related bonuses could significantly boost his earnings, with £4m available for winning the golden boot and £8m if Al-Nassr clinch the league title.
These incentives mean the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could earn more than £500m over the contract's duration, making it unprecedented in professional sport.
The comprehensive package reflects the Saudi league's determination to retain their marquee signing amid interest from other clubs during the recent transfer window.
Ronaldo's contract extends far beyond monetary compensation, encompassing an extensive support network for his family.
Al-Nassr will provide 16 full-time staff members, including three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners and four security personnel, at an annual cost of approximately £1.4m.
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The club has allocated £4m for private jet usage, ensuring seamless travel arrangements for the Portuguese star.
Additional sponsorship deals with Saudi companies could generate up to £60m, further enhancing his earning potential.
A Saudi Pro League insider told the newspaper that league officials were "very worried" about potentially losing Ronaldo during the recent transfer window, particularly with interest from clubs competing in the Club World Cup.
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The comprehensive benefits package underscores the Saudi league's commitment to retaining their most high-profile player.
The source described how league bosses view Ronaldo as irreplaceable.
"The owners know that he is the face of the league, he is the individual who attracts most of the superstars and the spotlight and they needed to keep him at all costs," they said.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been nothing short of sensational for Al-Nassr since his arrival at the tail end of 2022
REUTERS
The insider emphasised Ronaldo's unique position, stating: "Cristiano is getting pretty much whatever he wants, and with the ownership stake, they also want to keep him close to them as a force that can continue attracting players, sponsors, and the spotlight when he decides to retire.
"If he left, that would have been a huge blow for us and for the whole league.
"He's our treasure now, and we have to keep him and protect him at all costs, even if he has to be paid more than ever."
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