Reactions Trail Cristiano Ronaldo’s Staggering £488k-Per-Day Contract Extension

Football fans across the globe have been left stunned after details emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo’s jaw-dropping new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr,  a deal that will reportedly see the Portuguese superstar earn a staggering £488,000 per day.

Ronaldo, 39, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Saudi Pro League side, which includes a £24.5 million signing-on fee, rising to £38 million if he remains through the second year. But the real headline-grabber is his £178 million annual wage, which translates into nearly £1 million every other day, making it one of the most lucrative sports deals in history.

Reactions have been mixed since the announcement. While fans of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon celebrated what they called a “fitting reward” for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unmatched legacy, others criticized the deal as excessive, especially as Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr in his two-and-a-half seasons at the club.

“This is football’s version of oil money gone mad,” one fan tweeted. “Nearly £500k per day to play in a league with barely any global reach?”

According to The Sun, Ronaldo’s total package could exceed £500 million if he triggers performance-related bonuses, including £4 million for winning the Golden Boot and £8 million if Al-Nassr clinch the league title. Even more jaw-dropping is the report that the club has offered him 15% ownership stake, estimated to be worth £33 million, further cementing his influence at Al-Nassr both on and off the pitch.

Ronaldo’s commitment to remain with the club came after weeks of speculation surrounding his future following a trophyless 2024/25 season and Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite. Despite earlier hints at a possible exit, the former Juventus star now looks set to stay in Saudi Arabia and could soon become a club ambassador as part of the wider Saudi sports diplomacy strategy.

While some question the sustainability and meaning of such wealth in a single contract, others see it as a bold continuation of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global football powerhouse — with Ronaldo as its most visible face.