Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr for a record contract, aiming to enhance the local football league’s profile. His signing symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global sporting hub, leveraging his fame to attract other stars and potentially host the 2030 World Cup. This move forms part of a broader strategy to improve the Kingdom’s international standing while addressing domestic unity through sports involvement.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent signing with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr team represents a significant milestone in the country’s emerging sports ambitions. The superstar footballer, who recently left Manchester United, signed a lucrative contract estimated at 200 million euros, set to last until June 2025. Ronaldo’s presence at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, where he received a rousing welcome, is seen as a catalyst for attracting other high-profile athletes to the region.
Ronaldo, recognized for his multiple accolades, including five Ballon d’Or awards, highlighted his desire to set new records in Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr aims to mirror the former success of Real Madrid’s ‘Galactics’ era. With an investment strategy focusing on marquee players, the club’s leadership believes that Ronaldo’s global fame will elevate the Saudi league.
Beyond enhancing local football, Ronaldo’s signing represents a strategic move in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and sports lobbying. His global appeal and massive social media following could shine a spotlight on the Saudi league and help improve the country’s image. Analysts view this as part of a larger goal to transform Saudi Arabia into a football powerhouse.
Ronaldo’s signing aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sports initiatives that parallel Qatar’s investments in football, like the ownership of Paris Saint-Germain. Political experts point out that securing a star player like Ronaldo as opposed to merely acquiring clubs reflects a novel strategy to bolster the local league and showcase its talent on the world stage.
His celebrity status not only brings attention to the Saudi league but also positions Saudi Arabia favorably in its bid for hosting the 2030 World Cup, emphasizing the nation’s shifting sports narrative. Observers note that the recent successes of the Saudi national team have altered perceptions, making it plausible for the FIFA committee to consider Saudi Arabia after Qatar’s successful World Cup hosting.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its sports portfolio across various activities including golf and tennis, with events like the Saudi Cup and the Dakar Rally. Nevertheless, this strategy is met with scrutiny regarding the Kingdom’s human rights record, viewed as a method of ‘sportswashing’ to improve its international image, particularly in the wake of the Khashoggi incident.
Experts suggest that while these sports investments are focused on global branding, they also serve to foster national unity and enhance the government’s reputation internally. This dual approach of using sports for both international positioning and domestic power consolidation marks a critical turn in Saudi Arabia’s public diplomacy.
Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr marks a transformative chapter in Saudi Arabia’s sports landscape, reflecting a strategic ambition to elevate the national football league while enhancing the Kingdom’s global image. His arrival could likely attract further significant talent to the region, positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising powerhouse in international sports. This move is intricately linked to broader geopolitical narratives, where sports serve as a tool for soft power and national branding in response to past controversies.
Original Source: www.france24.com
