“Kids Want to Play Like [Cristiano] Ronaldo” – Awaiting $600 Billion Fund’s Investment, Al Nassr’s CR7 Raised Saudi Arabia’s ‘Profile’ Making Football a ‘Commercial Success’, Ex-Saudi Executive Says

Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that has a massive impact. He is amongst a few athletes who make a difference off-the-field too. And it has been evident from his move to Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League and Al Nassr were on the world soccer map overnight after the news of Ronaldo’s transfer hit.

Saudi Arabian soccer has been making strides ever since Al Nassr signed the Portuguese. They wanted to start a revolution in an attempt to win the bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Egypt and Greece. The signing of Ronaldo is the step taken forward, which has impacted the nation’s soccer environment. And now, with PIF waiting for a major announcement, one of the Saudi club’s ex-executes has hailed the Portuguese for his impact. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and his off-field impact

Ronaldo isn’t just a soccer player. He is known for his on-field heroics. But when it comes to the outside of soccer, he is the most followed athlete on social media. With his enormous fan following, he brings an edge to any team or league where he plays. He is also an idol to many. The Portuguese is inspiring the kids to take up soccer as their career. And Al Shabab’s former CEO highlighted the same.

Pat Janssen, CEO of Al Shabab during 2017- 2018, recently hailed the Portuguese for his impact on Saudi Arabian soccer. He said, “It’s raised their profile beyond their wildest dreams,” while speaking about how Al Nassr became a famous club after the transfer. Al-Alami saw their Instagram following rising from 860,000 to over 14 million since Ronaldo’s arrival.

Moreover, Janssen feels the boost he has given to TV rights is incredible. “TV rights for his matches alone are a commercial success,” he added. “No question he will inspire the youngsters. The connection he has with young people is aspirational. Kids want to play like Ronaldo,” Janssen said while speaking of his impact.

READ MORE: “They Need to Improve” – ‘Happy’ Cristiano Ronaldo Details the Improvements Saudi Pro League Needs to Be the ‘Fifth’ Best in the World

Saudi Arabian soccer is embracing another superstar signing, as per reports. It comes amid the nation’s wealthiest fund planning a massive decision regarding the Saudi Pro League clubs.

PIF set to overhaul a few clubs

Reports from Saudi Arabia are emerging that links $600 billion worth of PIF will take over at least four clubs. It will do so directly or through its subsidiaries. PIF has formed around 77 companies, and two of its subsidiaries are already involved with four clubs.

Qiddiya has a deal in place with Riyadh-based clubs, Al Nassr and Al Hilal, for 20 years. The agreement will see the clubs getting $26 million a year. Another PIF subsidiary, Central Jeddah Development, has the same contracts as Qiddiya with two Jeddah-based clubs, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. Those are massive names in Saudi soccer. Fans are eagerly waiting for the PIF’s announcement.

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Where do you see Saudi Arabian soccer in coming years with Ronaldo already onboard and Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema linked with a move?