A Game-Changing Arrival:
The arrival of CR7 has brought about a meteoric rise in the stature of the league, leaving experts reevaluating their initial skepticism. His presence has elevated the league from being considered ordinary to gaining respect even from longstanding football giants in Europe. Ronaldo’s prophecy about the Saudi League ascending into the top 5 leagues in the world no longer seems far-fetched, forcing even the initial skeptics to reconsider their stance.
A Monumental Increase in Revenue:
Carlo Nohra, the head of operations for the Saudi Pro League, recently shed light on the colossal positive impact of Ronaldo’s presence. According to Nohra, the league’s revenue has skyrocketed by an astonishing 650% since Ronaldo’s arrival. Furthermore, the league’s broadcasting reach has expanded to 140 impressive countries, marking significant global outreach.
A Domino Effect:
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 with a mind-boggling €200 million per year contract, set the stage for a domino effect. Other football superstars like Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Mahres, Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Roberto Firmino, Yassin Bono, and Azmeric Laporte followed suit to bolster the Saudi Pro League.
A Revenue Boom:
According to SportBusiness, the Saudi League generated €710,000 from 28 television rights deals for the 2022-2023 season. This 6.5-fold increase translates to a potential revenue of over $5.3 million for the current season.
The Ronaldo Impact:
Within just two days of Cristiano Ronaldo’s unveiling, Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly earned over €10 billion. This astounding figure was primarily driven by jersey sales across various Middle Eastern markets.
Demand for Ronaldo’s jerseys has been so high that stores across the Middle East are struggling to keep up with the demand. Prices range from 260 to 440 riyals, equivalent to $70 to $117 USD, depending on customization. Buyers may have to wait up to two days to receive their orders, even when purchasing online. The allure of Al Nassr extends beyond Ronaldo, as jerseys of Talisca and Aboubakar, two forwards partnering with Ronaldo in the attack, are also in high demand.
Revenue Surge:
Al Nassr reportedly earned an additional 2 million riyals, equivalent to over $530,000 USD, from jersey sales within the first 48 hours in the Saudi Arabian market alone. This figure is expected to soar as new jersey shipments reach customers this week. Ronaldo’s jerseys have long been sold out in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and other regions.
Unprecedented Demand:
Al-Walid Al-Muhaidib, spokesperson for Al Nassr, emphasized that the club is experiencing “unprecedented demand in its history” for jerseys. This underscores the immense value of their agreement with Ronaldo.
A Full House:
During Ronaldo’s unveiling ceremony, all 25,000 tickets to witness his presentation were sold out, despite their high prices. Estimates suggest that Al Nassr has earned millions of dollars from the initial effects Ronaldo has brought, not to mention commercial rights and sponsorships.
A Transformational Leader:
Jose Blesa, the club’s nutrition expert, revealed, “Cristiano has been of great help to us because we can’t teach him anything anymore, but he has created a school around him. Other players follow what he does because everything he does is excellent for improving his performance.”
Improved Fitness:
Since Ronaldo’s arrival, all players have been training diligently and adhering to strict dietary regimes. Blesa noted a remarkable transformation, with players improving their fitness levels by nearly 90% each time he meets them. They have shed excess fat, gained more muscle, and are diligently performing all accessible exercises. Working at the club has never been more luxurious.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the Saudi Pro League has not only elevated the league’s status on the global football stage but has also driven an extraordinary surge in revenue, making it one of the most profitable leagues in the world.
His influence extends beyond the pitch, as players and fans alike are reaping the benefits of his presence in Saudi Arabia. The GOAT effect has truly reshaped the landscape of Saudi football, and the financial gains are nothing short of spectacular.
