Prince Abdullah bin Musaed, an honorary member of Al-Hilal Club, confirmed that Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nasr Club, is the only player who represents a real investment value that exceeds his financial value, praising his great influence that goes beyond the limits of the field to enhance the status of the Saudi League globally.
In an interview with the program “In the Goal,” Prince Abdullah explained that Ronaldo deserves a perfect score of “10 out of 10” for promoting Saudi Arabia’s soft power. He added, “The way he speaks about the Kingdom, you feel that what he says comes from his heart, and that’s what makes him influential and allows him to reach the hearts of people around the world.”.
Prince Abdullah cited testimonies from prominent international figures to confirm Ronaldo's exceptional professional mentality, saying: “Ronaldo has not received his full due of praise. He has a great sense of challenge and commitment. Sir Alex Ferguson told me when he visited Riyadh, as did the president of Real Madrid, about Ronaldo's obsession with taking care of himself; he is the first to arrive at training and the last to leave, and even if training is canceled due to rain, he comes to train alone.”.
Historical context: A deal that changed the football landscape
Cristiano Ronaldo's joining Al-Nassr in the winter of the 2022/23 season was not just a player transfer deal, but rather the cornerstone of an ambitious national sports project that falls within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This move, which came after his departure from Manchester United, represented a historic turning point through which the Kingdom announced its intention to transform the Saudi Professional League into one of the strongest leagues in the world, attracting the attention of football fans from everywhere.
Importance and impact: From local to global
The “Ronaldo effect” was immediate and phenomenal. Internationally, his arrival put the Saudi Pro League on the global map, leading to television broadcasting deals in over 170 countries and paving the way for a host of international stars, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez. Domestically, his presence resulted in unprecedented attendance figures, soaring shirt sales, and he became an inspiration to a new generation of Saudi players. Regionally, the deal cemented the Saudi Pro League’s position as a dominant force in Middle Eastern and Asian football.
As Prince Abdullah pointed out, Ronaldo's value extends far beyond his impressive goal-scoring record with Al-Nassr. He serves as a global ambassador for the Kingdom, leveraging his platforms, followed by hundreds of millions, to present a positive image of life and development in Saudi Arabia—a priceless strategic asset.
