Football fans around the world, and especially in the Arab region, eagerly await the official debut of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the jersey of Saudi club Al-Nassr. Sources close to the club have confirmed that Ronaldo will be ready to participate in the team's upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Professional League, having completed his suspension that prevented him from playing in the first two official matches with his new team.
General context: Suspension penalty and details of absence
Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's previous two matches against Al-Tai and Al-Shabab was due to a two-match suspension imposed by the English Football Association (FA) following an incident in April 2022 when he was a Manchester United player. According to FIFA regulations, disciplinary sanctions carry over to a player's new association. Despite the Portuguese star's absence, Al-Nassr managed to win both matches, maintaining their lead in the league standings and paving the way for Ronaldo's return to a cohesive and strong team aiming for the title.
Historical background: A deal that shook the world of football
Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in late December 2022 was a historic event by all accounts. The deal, the highest-paid in football history, was not merely a sporting contract, but a strategic move that placed the Saudi league in unprecedented global spotlight. This transfer came shortly after he mutually terminated his contract with Manchester United, with Ronaldo choosing to embark on a new challenge in Asia, a move that surprised many and reshaped the power dynamics of world football.
Importance and expected impact of the deal
Domestically, Ronaldo's presence is expected to give Al-Nassr a huge boost in its quest to win local and continental titles, most notably the AFC Champions League. His impact also extends to the entire Roshan League system, increasing the competition's marketing value, boosting television viewership, attracting more sponsors, and encouraging other international stars to consider playing in the Kingdom. Regionally and internationally, this deal serves the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for sports and entertainment. The Saudi League has become a focus of global media attention, and Al-Nassr's matches are now broadcast in dozens of countries worldwide, enhancing the Kingdom's soft power and solidifying its position on the international sports stage.
