Not only creating attention on the field, Ronaldo also helps promote Saudi Arabia through side activities. Photo: Reuters.
Cristiano Ronaldo kicked a water bottle during Al Nassr’s defeat. He hugs a 10-year-old boy who lost his father in the Turkey-Syria earthquake. Ronaldo made Erik Ten Hag look miserable (0-7 defeat to Liverpool – PV). Ronaldo took pictures with locals. Whether directly or indirectly, all eyes have been on CR7 in the past week.
The world has not forgotten Ronaldo, or the news about the former MU star has not stopped spinning. In the past 7 days, the Portuguese superstar has attracted constant attention. This shows that Ronaldo is present everywhere even though he has left European football.
Ronaldo’s charm
Ronaldo creates a special attraction for Saudi Arabia. Photo: Reuters.
3 months ago, Al Nassr spent up to 177 million pounds to get the signature of one of the greatest players of all time in the sport of kings, despite Ronaldo’s age and decline in form, at the same time achieve almost every glory in his career. However, the benefits that Ronaldo brings to the club are immeasurable.
The appearance of CR7 helps the image and name of Al Nassr to be known to the world. The deal became a commercial blockbuster, jerseys kept selling out, sponsorship deals were signed in bulk and match tickets sold out quickly. Saudi Arabia began to leave a big mark on the world football map.
Saudi Arabia wants to host the World Cup, as early as 2030. They want to enhance their sports image, want the world to know as a sports-friendly country. And Ronaldo just like that creates a separate effect.
When Ronaldo had an argument with MU through an interview, it was the ideal time for Saudi Arabia to step in. If only the prelude when Coach Ten Hag had just arrived at Old Trafford was less turbulent, and then at the end of the season he and the club parted peacefully, with only smiles and tears, the impact of the transfer would probably not be too much. big.
Like some legends, the last days of his career can be far from the light of the camera, or even Ronaldo is no longer being watched by the world. But the interview with Piers Morgan was loud enough to make the Portuguese superstar’s name overwhelm them all.
Ronaldo’s debut on January 3 attracted great attention from the world’s media, even, according to Goal, overshadowing the funeral of the legendary Pele in Brazil. Marca revealed Ronaldo’s debut ceremony at Al Nassr reached 3 billion views across 40 channels around the world. Notably, the FIFA World Cup 2022 final only reached a total of 2 billion views on the same platforms.
Mutual benefit deal
Saudi Arabia is more widely known thanks to Ronaldo. Photo: Reuters.
Ronaldo gives Saudi Arabia more in the sports world. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) run by the state of Saudi Arabia spent £ 350 million to buy Newcastle United. However, this move cannot attract as they accept to lose nearly 200 million pounds to sign Ronaldo.
In every event or interview after the game, Ronaldo praised the good characteristics of Saudi Arabia. Through CR7, the image of Saudi Arabia is clearly outlined and known to the world.
Ronaldo is a media superstar. Everywhere he went, the whole world watched. Ronaldo created a big fever. The name CR7 has not shown any signs of cooling down. Therefore, Saudi Arabia rolling out the red carpet to welcome Ronaldo is only beneficial.
During Saudi Arabia’s national holiday last month, Ronaldo wore a traditional daglah robe to attend the big event. Joining the customary family, Ronaldo also holds a sword on his shoulder, dances a traditional ardah and participates in other activities like a local.
“Riyadh, how beautiful ,” Ronaldo wrote on his personal page.All of this may be CR7’s genuine feelings, but behind the scenes, who knows is a PR campaign for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is following the path of Qatar in the past. As soon as it won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, Qatar invested in PSG. One of the notable transfers was David Beckham, who was at the time at LA Galaxy. They don’t need expertise in a 36-year-old midfielder, but crave the Beckham brand.
Since then, PSG may not have reached the top of the continent despite the huge spending, but Qatar has achieved most of its need in terms of national image building through football. Greater victory has been reached. Therefore, failure in the Champions League is okay.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia needs the Ronaldo brand. Saudi Arabia and Ronaldo could be considered a perfect match: a country that wants to elevate its image to recruit the most self-conscious footballer ever.
