Struggles of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia: Former Man Utd champion, now earning a staggering £164MILLION, enjoys opulent lifestyle with partner Georgina Rodriguez... yet finds something crucial lacking.
In the heart of Saudi Arabia, it seems even a hefty bankroll can't guarantee everything.
Cristiano Ronaldo, once a man drowning in dough, has now morphed into a baby-daddy billionaire at the age of 40. With his stint at Riyadh-based team Al-Nassr, he's well on his way to joining the league of wealthy sports superstars.
Even though he's continued to deliver for his national side in recent years, it's hard to swallow a yearly pay of a whopping £164 million, a figure reserved just for Ronaldo's field contributions to Al-Nassr. Away from the field, his earnings total another £49 million.
This mouth-watering deal is a dream for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner nearing the twilight of his career. Rumors as recent as January pointed towards him inking an even juicier contract to stick with the Al-Nassr into his 41st year.
However, whispers from Spain last week have stirred speculation about the possibility of Ronaldo's future in the Gulf state. With just two months left on his current deal, negotiations for a contract renewal have allegedly stalled, for one reason the almighty Saudi wealth can't legitimately provide.
In the Saudi capital, Ronaldo and his family moved into a posh mansion in the exclusive Al Muhammadiyah neighborhood. Yet, despite their Saudi base being a significant part of their lives, their palatial dwelling there is one of several upscale residences in their global portfolio. They also boast two central pads in Lisbon, the priciest penthouse ever sold in the nation, and a £7 million refurb in Madeira, Ronaldo's birthplace island.
The Al-Nassr athlete shelled out £7 million to transform a former warehouse into a seven-storey mansion, where his mother Dolores and brother Hugo reportedly reside. Rumor has it that three floors of this grandiose palace are underground, while the lavish grounds feature two swimming pools and an indoor football field for training.
For a break from the city, Ronaldo allegedly owns a £1.4 million villa in La Resina, a golf and country club estate between Marbella and Estepona. But even this Spanish villa pales in comparison to his most recent acquisition - a mega-mansion worth "tens of millions" in Jumeirah Bay Island.
The 30,000 square-meter villa boasts six bedrooms, private beach access, a car showroom, a spa, an infinity pool with a view of downtown Dubai, and living quarters for staff on-site.
Beyond his impressive real estate collection, Ronaldo has lavished his fortune on a variety of luxury watches, vehicles, and even a jet. In 2024, he splurged an astonishing £61 million on a new Bombardier Global Express 6500. The all-black aircraft accommodates up to 15 passengers and features different compartments, including a lounge area with tables and sofas, a suite with a double bed, and a separate shower room.
Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez frequently treats social media followers to glimpses of their pricey jet, with recent posts showcasing a massive engagement ring hinting at another high-ticket purchase on the horizon. The couple shares daughters Alana (7) and Bella (2), with Rodriguez also being a stepmother to his other three kids.
The family enjoys cruising the Mediterranean on their £5.5 million mega yacht, the Azimut Grande. The vessel caters for eight guests in five opulent cabins and boasts six luxurious bathrooms. The Ronaldo brood has been spotted exploring various idyllic Mediterranean destinations on board their 27-meter yacht.
Alas, despite Ronaldo's individual triumphs, the team has yet to secure any trophies. His amazing goal tally of 23 goals in 23 games this season places him at the top of the Saudi Pro League goalscoring charts. Yet, all these goals and all that cash have yielded precisely zero trophies. Home to a host of former European stars, including Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Aymeric Laporte, and Jhon Duran, Al-Nassr still lacks team honors.
With three or four chances to boost the club's trophy tally every season, Al-Nassr's current trophyless season is causing concern. Recent defeats have reportedly left Ronaldo frustrated and unsatisfied, making his future in the Saudi Pro League uncertain. Whether he'll remain in Saudi Arabia, switch to a rival club, or even return to his European roots, only time will tell.
- Despite the luxurious lifestyle and impressive earnings in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Al-Nassr seems uncertain, as recent rumors suggest negotiations for a contract renewal have stalled, potentially limiting the Saudi wealth's ability to retain him.
- In addition to his contribution to the European leagues, specifically LaLiga, through his stint with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo's latest accomplishment is a mega-mansion in Jumeirah Bay Island, worth "tens of millions", which adds to his global portfolio of upscale residences.
- While Cristiano Ronaldo has been successful in scoring goals in the Saudi Pro League, his team, Al-Nassr, has yet to secure any trophies, casting doubt on their success, even with Ronaldo's continued presence.
