You don't have to be a football fan to know Cristiano Ronaldo . Nor do you even have to know that by football we mean soccer , which is what the game is called in the United States, while "American football" is how the rest of the world refers to the humble little sport that regularly attracts at least 100 million viewers for its championship match each year. And since it's quite possible that fans are as familiar with the cut of Ronaldo's abs as they are with his attack style on the pitch, he's been one of the most-watched players on and off the field, no matter what country you've been watching from, for two decades.
Now 39 and playing in his record sixth European Championship, however, the Portuguese athlete is closer to the end of his storied career than the beginning. And it's life after football that motivated his decision to sign a reported $350 million-per-year contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC at the end of 2022. Last year Ronaldo said his "work in Europe is done," according to Sports Illustrated 's Fan Nation , and he was ready for a new challenge after playing for "all the most important clubs" in the region.
Of the warm reception he received upon arrival in Riyadh, he said, "The welcome is amazing and I'm really proud." Before making that monumental move he had spent two seasons with Manchester United, the club where his professional journey kicked into high gear in 2003 as an 18-year-old wearing No. 7 in the footsteps of David Beckham .
Prior to that Ronal.
