Abu Dhabi, UAE CNN – In what is being hailed as a historic moment, renowned soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh to join Al Nassr FC. The Saudi kingdom pulled off a major coup by signing Ronaldo to a two-year contract worth an estimated $200 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in the world. The extravagant reception for Ronaldo in Riyadh involved excited children wearing the team’s yellow and blue jerseys. The news of his signing caused a frenzy on social media, with Al Nassr gaining millions of new followers and the hashtag #HalaRonaldo trending across the Middle East.
Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia’s recruitment of Ronaldo is part of a larger effort to diversify its sources of revenue and establish itself as a prominent player in the international sports scene. Despite criticism for “sportswashing” – using sports to improve their image – Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of investing in soft power, following in the footsteps of neighboring Qatar. The Qatar World Cup in 2022 was largely seen as a success, showcasing the Middle East in a positive light.
Competition amongst Gulf nations to become premier entertainment and sporting hubs is fierce. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain all host their own Formula One racing events and have purchased European soccer teams. Saudi Arabia is playing catch-up with its neighbors, as it aims to diversify its economy and shift away from its reliance on oil.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s larger strategy to elevate its international standing and shed its conservative reputation. High-profile international sports figures like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who signed a promotional deal with the kingdom, help counter the country’s negative image and present it as more open and progressive.
By investing in sports and entertainment, Saudi Arabia aims to attract global attention and appeal to a broader audience. The country’s recent acquisitions and partnerships, including the Newcastle United acquisition and potential 2030 World Cup bid, demonstrate its ambition to be seen as a serious player in the football community.
In other news, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed visited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, marking a significant step in thawing relations between the two countries. The meeting addressed developments in Syria and the wider Middle East, indicating a growing rapprochement in the region. However, the improvement in relations has yet to translate into positive changes for the lives of ordinary Syrians, as the country still faces Western sanctions.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
