Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the world with his decision to join Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al-Nassr after terminating his contract with Manchester United.
Some critics questioned the move, claiming it was all about money. However, many other people recognised the sweeping revolution accompanying the Portuguese icon.
Read on as we assess the overall impact of Ronaldo’s move to the Middle East, starting with developments at the club he joined.
Ronaldo's Impact at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo scored 44 times and provided 13 assists in 45 appearances in his first full season. He followed it with 35 goals and four assists in 41 outings last term.
He has lifted the standards around him. Ronaldo is the blueprint for professionalism and drives it in training, media duties and on matchday.
His arrival has boosted Al-Nassr's reputation. He is one of the most followed sports stars on social media, and many of those fans have latched onto the SPL club.
International exposure and merchandise sales have soared. Ronaldo has helped make the SPL relevant, although it is still behind other major leagues worldwide.
His presence in the Middle East has helped Al-Nassr attract other marquee players such as Joao Felix, Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic.
Raising the Global Profile of the SPL
Ronaldo's arrival was a game-changer as Saudi Arabia sought to put their football on the map.
Almost immediately following his arrival, recognised broadcasters started enquiring about media rights, and international broadcasters were talking about SPL games.
People recognised that the SPL was serious when Ronaldo came. Other superstars followed, including Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Neymar.
Ronaldo will always be remembered as the first player to make the move. He has subsequently influenced the remarkable wave that has swept Saudi football.
The SPL is now a hot topic across social media while sponsorship deals stream in. Ronaldo's influence on the league’s global profile cannot be underestimated.
Driving Commercial & Economic Growth
Saudi Arabia has been trying to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 mandate. Sport was a key tenet of the plan and Ronaldo is helping the Gulf nation reach its goals.
His arrival has been felt commercially. Ticket revenues have surged, and local businesses around stadiums are experiencing more foot traffic and business.
Al-Nassr and other clubs invested heavily in training facilities, academies, stadium upgrades and player development. Major sponsors now see the potential of the Saudi market.
Ronaldo's signing triggered increased activity on betting platforms in the Middle East, which have become a favourite way for fans to stay engaged with the SPL.
The sportsbooks listed on comparison platform arabswin.com/en/ offer a vast array of SPL markets, helping the league rival other major competitions in terms of betting turnover.
The SPL was previously overlooked by sports bettors, but Ronaldo’s presence in the Middle East has helped it become a popular choice for many punters.
Tourism officials have also capitalised on his popularity to promote Saudi Arabia as a destination. Football is becoming an economic pillar, and Ronaldo is crucial for its standing.
Shifting Perceptions & Inspiring the Next Generation
One aspect of the Ronaldo transfer that is not talked about enough is the impact it will have on the future. The former Man United star is inspiring a new generation of footballers.
Local players can aim much higher than was previously the case. Seeing football's official top scorer in training and on home soil, their biggest dreams will feel closer.
Ronaldo is an ambassador for sporting longevity and discipline. His training habits, diet and work ethic have always driven those around him.
Younger players across the region will be determined to meet his diamond standard. Even if they are inspired by the other stars that have moved to the Gulf, Ronaldo's influence is overarching.
Ronaldo’s move has changed the way people regard the Middle East and its footballing ambitions. With Ronaldo on board, the SPL is no longer a footballing backwater.
Scouts, agents and analysts have been giving new consideration to the SPL. People now talk about the competitiveness, organisation and ambition of the league.
Ronaldo has undoubtedly helped to shift perceptions of the Saudi football and his legacy will be felt for many years to come.
