Ronaldo “may leave” Al Nassr in January says Saudi reporter

Cristiano Ronaldo, who commands a £170m salary, is set to benefit financially from a new Saudi Pro League initiative that rewards players for promoting livestreams on social media. The league's "Share and Earn" program enables players and influencers to share links to match broadcasts, earning a share of revenue from each click.

With over 1 billion social media followers, Ronaldo stands to gain a significant income from this side-hustle opportunity. The Saudi Pro League's CEO, Omar Mugharbel, emphasizes the changing landscape of sports consumption, noting that fans are increasingly engaging with competitions, clubs, and players through digital platforms.

He believes this initiative adds a new dimension to the relationship between sports distribution and fans, allowing broader networks of partners to connect football with enthusiasts. Ronaldo already possesses a financial stake in the league through his minority shareholding in Al Nassr, a deal he secured as part of his recent contract renewal with the club.

The Saudi Pro League's strategy to encourage players and content creators to share broadcasts is part of its broader goal to expand its international fan base. This approach mirrors the Bundesliga's use of select games in podcasts hosted by Jamie Vardy and Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge. Mugharbel highlights that by democratising access and distribution, the league aims to bring live Saudi Pro League football closer to international fans while creating shared value among clubs, players, and distribution partners.