The entire football world seemed to stand still when Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Saud – one of the most powerful oil billionaires in Saudi Arabia – suddenly announced the signing of an exclusive contract with Cristiano Ronaldo with terms that were unprecedented in the history of sports. In front of hundreds of cameras and international press jostling to record, Sheikh Khalid spoke slowly but powerfully: “The whole world may turn its back on you, but Saudi Arabia will always welcome and honor you.” The words echoed, leaving the entire audience in a heavy but emotional silence.
The most shocking thing was the number that accompanied that announcement: $1 billion in cash dedicated to Ronaldo, plus another $500 million for each game he played in Saudi Arabia, along with an unbelievable commitment – to build an 80,000-seat stadium named after Cristiano Ronaldo. This was not only the highest salary a player had ever received, but also a confirmation of CR7’s status as a “global icon” in the eyes of Arab leaders.
When the contract was read out, flashbulbs flashed, but Ronaldo stood still. Those present described the moment: CR7 tried to keep his composure, but his eyes turned red, and his breathing became labored. He bowed his head for a few seconds before taking the microphone and saying in a trembling voice: “I didn’t think I would hear these words… especially now.” The entire audience immediately fell silent; no one wanted to miss a historic moment.
Sheikh Khalid, who is known for being tough and cold in the oil business, could not hold back his emotions. Many cameras recorded him touching his eyes, as if to hide the tears that were falling. Some said they had never seen the billionaire so emotional in public.
According to sources close to him, Sheikh Khalid sees Cristiano Ronaldo not only as the greatest player of his generation, but also as a symbol of resilience, discipline and family values – things he believes the rest of the world is “forgetting” when talking about Ronaldo. As such, the deal has been described as a “mission of honor,” rather than a mere sporting deal.
In his speech afterward, Ronaldo admitted that he has gone through difficult times, criticism and rejection from the very places that once called him a legend. But he also said something that brought many to tears: “If one door closes, another always opens — and today, I know that door is Saudi Arabia.”
At the end of the event, Sheikh Khalid walked down the stage and hugged Ronaldo in front of thousands of people. A rare moment when football, money and power all take a back seat, giving way to real emotion — and a commitment that will be talked about for years to come.
