Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his stay at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr with a bumper new two-year contract reportedly worth €180million annually.
The 40-year-old Portuguese legend had hinted at a possible departure after the 2024–25 season by posting “this chapter is over” on social media.
However, a fresh agreement has now been reached to keep him at the Riyadh-based club until 2027.
The renewal cements Ronaldo’s position as one of the highest-paid athletes in world football, with BeIN Sports reporting that his salary alone now eclipses the total wage bills of several major European clubs.
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Only eight European giants, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, PSG, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal, were reported to have a higher annual wage outlay than Ronaldo’s earnings last season.
Photo Credit: Al Nassr X
Ronaldo vs. Europe’s Wage Giants
According to data compiled from FBref and Capology, at least six high-profile European clubs operate on significantly tighter budgets than what Ronaldo alone pockets at Al Nassr.
Liverpool: Despite being Premier League champions and adding German star Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool’s 2024–25 wage bill stood at €152million—€28million short of Ronaldo’s salary.
With long-time stalwart Trent Alexander-Arnold off the books, the Merseyside club may have some room to manoeuvre
Inter Milan: A team that has reached two Champions League finals in three years somehow operates with a reported wage budget of just €144million.
New boss Cristian Chivu has added Luis Henrique and Nicola Zalewski, but they’re unlikely to move the financial needle dramatically.
Newcastle United: Owned by the same Saudi PIF that backs Ronaldo’s wages, the Magpies remain restricted by Premier League financial rules.
Their reported €122million wage bill in 2024 placed them outside Europe’s top 10, over €50million shy of Ronaldo’s annual earnings.
Cristiano Ronaldo contract breakdown. Image Credit: Sun UK
Atletico Madrid: Despite boasting big names like Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, Atleti’s wage expenditure is estimated at €137million.
Remarkably, Ronaldo is set to earn more than Diego Simeone’s squad combined.
Tottenham Hotspur: After a disappointing domestic campaign but a successful Europa League triumph, Spurs will return to Champions League action.
Their total wage bill for 2024–25 was reportedly €123million—again, dwarfed by Ronaldo’s new deal.
Napoli: The 2023 Serie A champions had one of the leanest budgets among Europe’s elite with just €87million in squad wages.
With new boss Antonio Conte in charge and the arrival of Kevin De Bruyne, a budget bump may be imminent, but they’re still miles off Ronaldo’s mark.
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Ronaldo’s new contract not only reflects his enduring market value and brand appeal but also underscores the financial might of the Saudi Pro League’s ongoing investment in marquee names.
