Mega welcome for the mega star!
Saudi club Al-Nassr FC presented new signing Cristiano Ronaldo (37) with a big show on Tuesday night. Nearly 20,000 fans gathered at Msool Park (25,000 capacity) in the capital Riyadh to welcome the Portuguese.
At 17:09 the time has come! Ronaldo gets out of a white SUV in front of the stadium and is greeted by club boss Musalli Al-Muammar. The superstar wears a gray suit with a white shirt and light blue tie. The huge video wall of the stadium shows her face with the words “Hala, Ronaldo”. Inside, a light show in the club’s colors of blue and yellow keeps everyone entertained.
Why: first of all, there is a press conference with Al-Muammar and coach Rudi Garcia (58 years old, former Roma, Marseille and Lyon, among others). At 17:24 Ronaldo will be presented to Saudi journalists.
Ronaldo makes an embarrassing slip! Asked that many experts see the move as a sporting relegation, Ronaldo replies: “Coming to South Africa is not the end of my career. Football has changed, I want to change. I don’t care what people say.”
Please what? South Africa? Ronaldo doesn’t know where he signed? At least apparently he hasn’t covered his new employer’s country in such detail yet…
But it goes on! In the press conference there is also the first bullying attack and a bet against a rival Lionel Messi (35)!
fit arrogance
Asked if he can understand why he is being criticized for the transfer, Ronaldo says: This contract is unique, but I’m also a unique player. So for me this is normal. Many big clubs in Europe wanted me, but I gave them my word.”
Background: Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr from December 30 until the summer of 2025. He collects an incredible 200 million euros a year by accepting a sporting lineage. His real goal after the termination of his contract with Manchester United was a transfer to a champion league club.
video-heading">Here CR7 landed Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in the desert
Spike vs. Messi
Soon after, Ronaldo adds: “I’ve watched a few matches. I know the league is competitive and good. The Saudis beat the champions at the World Cup – don’t forget that!”
A nod to Argentina’s surprising 2-1 opening defeat to Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Messi and company won all matches and became world champions. A title that Ronaldo still lacks.
However, he says confidently: “My story in Europe has been told. I’ve won everything, played for many big clubs. Now is the time for a new challenge in Asia. I want to shed a different light on the country, on football. I’m ready to play football and entertain people.”
At 17:40, the superstar goes to the locker room to put on the Al-Nassr shirt for the first time. On the farewell from the press room, there are galling scenes as Al-Nassr’s spokeswoman calls for applause for him and reporters cheer him with chanting and his signature “Siu” yell.
18:02: Ronaldo makes his way around the locker room, shaking hands with each of his new teammates. Among them are former Bayern star Luiz Gustavo (35), former Arsenal and Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina (34) and Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar (30).
Then he tells his teammates: “I have seen some games and I have seen the connection between the players. I’m here to support the team, have fun and do my best.”
The big moment then at 18:14! Ronaldo enters the square through the corridor of the cabin. A light show and fountains of fire and smoke accompany the superstar. The almost 20,000 fans celebrate it with Ronaldo flags, scarves, Bengalis and shouts of “Siu” and “Ronaldo”. Again and again he greets the fans, he shoots some signed balls on the ranks.
Ronaldo on the microphone: “It’s a pleasure for me to be here. Obviously I’ll do my best for this club. I want to show people how good the league is.”
video-heading">Child goes on CR7 Saudi fans practice cheering for Ronaldo
Finally, his whole family arrives on the pitch – his fiancée Georgina and his children Cristiano Junior, Eva, Mateo and Alana Martina. The only daughter Bella Esmeralda (eight months) is not there. Ronaldo: “The reception for us was fantastic. My family and I want to thank you.”
League leaders Al-Nassr’s next match is Thursday at 4pm German time against Al Tai. However, it is still unclear whether Ronaldo is already playing there.
