Which clubs can pay Cristiano Ronaldo more Wages than Al Nassr if Portugal star decides to Leave Saudi Club?

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 sent shockwaves through the football world, not just because of the club or the league, but because of the astronomical deal involved.

With a reported contract worth over €200 million per year, including salary, image rights, and commercial deals, Ronaldo became not only the highest-paid footballer in history but also one of the top-earning athletes globally. His decision highlighted the financial power of Saudi clubs.

However, the 2024-25 SPL season is near conclusion and despite a stellar performance, it is another trophyless season for Cristiano Ronaldo and also for Al Nassr. These underwhelming results have reportedly caused frustration to the Portuguese legend and led to a pause in contract extension negotiations, sparking rumors that Ronaldo may be considering a departure from the Saudi club. With his current contract set to expire in June 2025 and no extension confirmed, speculation around Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr became more uncertain and even a switch to another Saudi side can not be ruled out.

Which Saudi Clubs Can Pay Ronaldo More than Al Nassr?

Al Hilal:

Among the few clubs that might be able to match or surpass Al Nassr’s offer is Al Hilal, another Saudi Pro League giant. Al Hilal made headlines by signing Neymar in 2023, reportedly on a contract worth around €150 million annually. With backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and a strategic goal of enhancing the league’s global profile, Al Hilal is arguably the most capable rival to Al Nassr in terms of offering a financial package large enough to tempt Ronaldo.

Al Ittihad:

Al Ittihad, one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, is another serious contender to sign the legend. Al Ittihad showed their intent in 2023 by signing high-profile stars like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, reportedly on contracts worth well over €100 million annually. Like Al Hilal and Al Nassr, Al Ittihad is backed by the Saudi government’s efforts to develop the sports sector as part of Vision 2030.

Can any MLS Clubs provide Similar Wages?

In MLS, a few teams have history to sign big names from global football. Inter Miami, LA Galaxy and LAFC are among those clubs. However, the MLS clubs do not have the capacity to pay on the same level of the Saudi Clubs. Even Lionel Messi get 20.4 million USD annually, compared to Ronaldo’s salary of 200 million USD.

In recent past, Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs have also demonstrated the capacity to offer humongous sums. In the late 2010s, players like Carlos Tevez and Oscar moved to China on deals reportedly worth tens of millions per year. Although the CSL has since introduced salary caps and reduced its international spending, it is very unlikely that the Chinese sides will pay on par with the Saudi clubs.

Why the Saudi Clubs are the Best Possible Destinations for Ronaldo?

Though many clubs are willing to sign the legendary forward in their squad, in current scenario it is unlikely that none but the Saudi clubs have the ability to spend that much of money to the big names like Ronaldo. It is also financially feasible from the player’s perspective, as there is no income tax on earnings from employment in Saudi Arabia. Hence, players do not have to suffer from the income tax charges. Hence, for now, Al Nassr’s contract remains unmatched, making Ronaldo the face of Saudi football’s global identity along with the highest-paid player in the sport’s history.