"Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player who deserves his salary" - Former Saudi Sports Minister makes bold claim about SPL

Prince Abdullah bin Mossad, a former Sports Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is the only star deserving of his salary in the league. The 40-year-old is one of the best-paid players in world football, having joined Al-Nassr in January 2023.

Bin Mossad, who was minister of sports in the oil-rich nation between 2014 and 2017, has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign star who deserves a huge salary. In an interview with Al-Arabiya, the former government official pointed out that the Portugal international has benefitted the league with his mere presence.

“Ronaldo is the only foreign player who deserves his salary thanks to the international renown he brings to the league and the country,” he said (via L'Equipe).

Cristiano Ronaldo left Europe for Saudi Arabia after he fell out with Manchester United and had his contract mutually cancelled at the end of 2022. The Portuguese great has been in the Gulf nation since, representing arguably the biggest sporting move achieved by the country in its history.

Ronaldo signed a new two-year deal with the Knights of Najd in the summer after he reached the end of his initial 30-month contract with the club. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United man earns a reported $4 million per week, an amount that translates to around $211 million per year and $422 million for the duration of the contract.

The Saudi Pro League is home to several of Europe's biggest players, including the likes of Karim Benzema, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and several others. Neymar was also previously on the books of Al-Hilal before he opted to return to his native Brazil in January.

Cristiano Ronaldo escapes 2026 FIFA World Cup ban

Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a ban for the opening games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a deliberation by the disciplinary committee of FIFA. The 40-year-old had been expected to face a ban for violent conduct following his red card this month for Portugal.

Portugal lost 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifier, with Ronaldo receiving a red card for elbowing Dara O'Shea. The Al-Nassr man was suspended for the following game against Armenia, which his team won 9-1, and faced the possibility of missing the opening two games of the Mundial next summer.

FIFA decided against handing down the full punishment, ruling that Ronaldo receives a three-game ban, the latter two of which will be deferred. The ruling also stated that the duration of the deferred games will be for one year, meaning that the 40-year-old will serve the ban if he receives another sending off in the next year.