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via Imago

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The amount of money invested by Saudi is reaping the reward sooner than expected. The initial step of courage taken by Al Nassr is leading the way for all the other clubs in its country. With social media being the key player in the last decade, the club benefitted from it by shooting the right target. Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the club in January for $500 million. But the club’s victory over its rivals Al Hilal has come recently in war or Instagram.

The club from Riyadh has been an average performer in terms of sports in the latest season. Vincent Aboubakar, its forefront player before Ronaldo arrived, had to give his position to fit the Portuguese star. But with all the ups and downs, the club would feel worthwhile with the current scenario.

Al Nassr wins people’s battle thanks to Ronaldo

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Al Nassr, with regards to its performance on the pitch, could definitely find improvement, but the issue doesn’t seem to bother them much. The fans and the supporters are motivated to push the club to the top, making them the most popular soccer team in Asia for the month of August. Having Ronaldo and rising to the top in Asia is fathomable, but the club was the 3rd most popular team around the world, overtaking a club like FC Barcelona.

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The club is fighting a positional battle in the Saudi League. They are currently placed 5th on the table.

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However, the influence of Ronaldo in terms of fan engagement is so good that the club trumped its rivals Al Hilal who bought Neymar for a $438 million deal. Considering Neymar did not reach Ronaldo’s pinnacle, Al Hilal fell short of Al Nassr by at least 70 million engagements.

Read More – Why Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo Has Become More ‘Humanized’ Despite Living in Saudi Arabia

This is huge, understanding their performance in the League. Neymar’s team is currently at the top of the table.

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Ronaldo, the bull’s eye for Al Nassr

Its $500 million proposal for Ronaldo was not a cakewalk, with funds being readily available. The club had to pull in various stakeholders to support them and also provide operational support. Visit Saudi and Saudi Media Company were the main assistors, along with a few other minor stakeholders. But all the struggle turned out to be the best option for the club.

Ronaldo is the highest-earning athlete currently. The former Manchester United player also being the most followed personality on Instagram, makes it more synergetic. All his fans, being loud and supportive, gave an added advantage to the club.

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To be placed as the club with 3rd most engagements in the world, Al Nassr has already made a statement for other sporting entities in Asia. Lionel Messi going to Inter Miami earned them the 5th spot at the world level even though the USA is a minor soccer-watching country. Appears like the battlefield shifted off-pitch.