Cristiano Ronaldo’s £173m salary set to be dwarfed as Saudi Arabia look to new star
Even at the age of 39, Cristiano Ronaldo is setting new records.
He may no longer play for a European giant such as Real Madrid or Manchester United but in moving to the Saudi Pro League, CR7 has become a record breaking earner.
At a reported £173 million every single year, he is head and shoulders above his peers when it comes to taking home a massive wedge of cash, with second place going to his Saudi Pro League opponent, Neymar Jr, who reportedly earns £86m every 12 months.
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Third on the list is Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who is said to bring home a staggering £85m every year. And you've guessed it, once again that's in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ittihad.
But Ronaldo's riches and position as the highest earner in the football world could soon be thrown to the rubbish heap and, believe it or not, dwarfed by another deal.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which runs the four clubs of Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal, has reportedly launched an incredible move to bring one of the world's best footballers to Saudi Arabia.
And if accepted, it would be a move that see him earn £300m every single year. And that's just as a basic salary.
The footballer in question that PIF - which also owns Newcastle United in the Premier League - is after is Vinicius Junior.
A star for Real Madrid and the national Brazil football team, he has established himself as one of the best footballers on the planet, winning numerous Champions Leagues and La Liga titles with Los Blancos.
And as the current favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Vini Jr is about as hot as it gets when it comes to someone every club in the world would want on their side.
PIF bosses are hoping Vini Jr will be persuaded to leave Real Madrid following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian wonderkid, Endrick, which raises the competition for starting spots in the team's front four hugely so.
ESPN, which broke the story, said no official offer has been tabled to Vini Jr as of yet.
The grand plan for the Saudi Public Investment Fund is to make Vini Jr the country's ambassador for the 2034 World Cup which will be heading to Saudi Arabia given that no other country submitted a bid to host it before FIFA's deadline.
ESPN reports that Vini Jr hasn't dismissed the idea, meaning the rumour mill will continue until someone more official is said on the matter.
Real Madrid has placed a €1 billion buyout clause on Vini Jr, which equates to around £858 million and you'd imagine they'd want the full whack to lose a player of his standard, who arguably has his peak years ahead of him.
LADbible Group has contacted The Saudi Public Investment Fund for comment.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia, Football, Money, Celebrity, Viral, Sport
Tom Earnshaw