After his nasty breakup with Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the move to a non-European league for the first time in his career — and receive a record payday in the process.
Ronaldo has received a two-and-a-half year offer worth $207 million annually from the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr FC, according to the Spanish news outlet MARCA.
If the report is accurate and the Portuguese national signs, it would be the largest annual salary in soccer history.
- Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano notes that sponsorship deals are important to Ronaldo, and it’s unclear if image rights can be agreed upon with Al Nassr.
- The 37-year-old made $60 million off the field last season, the most of any player in the world.
- Ronaldo is unlikely to make a decision until after the World Cup concludes.
Rival Lionel Messi — who signed a four-year deal with FC Barcelona worth $673.8 million in 2017 — could also be on the move following reports that MLS side Inter Miami CF are willing to make him the highest-paid player in league history.
Rare Company
Messi ($1.15 billion) and Ronaldo ($1.24 billion) have both earned over $1 billion on and off the field over their respective careers.
Two other athletes currently earn more than $100 million per year, including endorsements: LeBron James ($122 million) and Messi ($124 million). Ronaldo is next in line, earning $115 million total with $55 million coming from off-the-field deals, per Forbes.
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