Saudi Prince Defends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Massive Salary: “He’s the Only One Who Truly Earns It”

Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad publicly defended Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary and declared that the Portuguese star is the only foreign player in the Saudi Pro League who genuinely deserves such a massive contract. The former Saudi Minister of Sport emphasized that Ronaldo generates an impact that no other international signing has matched since the wave of global football arrivals began in 2023.

Ronaldo reportedly earns around $211 million per year — over $4 million per week. The prince insisted that no other foreign player warrants that level of financial investment and stressed that Ronaldo’s value extends far beyond the pitch. Abdullah also expressed concern about the declining prominence of Saudi players in their own league, noting that many have become secondary figures as clubs now register eight foreign players per matchday.

He warned that the league’s rapid growth could hurt the Saudi national team in the long term if strategic development isn’t addressed ahead of the 2034 World Cup. Abdullah called for investment in youth academies, elite coaching for youth levels, and a structure to nurture future generations. He also recalled that during his tenure as minister, he brought in former Premier League referee Howard Webb to lead the refereeing department in Saudi Arabia.

The prince suggested scheduling major matches on Thursdays to make it easier to bring in top-level European referees. He emphasized that the Saudi project needs strategic adjustments to maintain sustainable growth — and reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the lone exception, the only player whose salary is fully justified.

Abdullah also highlighted that Ronaldo’s influence isn’t just athletic — it’s global. He argued that the Portuguese star has multiplied viewing audiences, boosted international sponsorships, and drawn global media attention that now sustains the league’s momentum and relevance.