Ronaldo won 20% of the shares in Riyadh: The transformation path from a "high-paying employee" to a "talent"!

On August 1, 2025, Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Asimi's revelation triggered the football world: Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has held 20% of the equity of Riyadh Victory and became the club's largest individual shareholder. This news not only marks a complete transformation of Ronaldo's career, but also reveals the deep layout of Saudi football's commercialization process.

Equity changes: From "high-paying employees" to "talents"

According to Saudi media disclosure, Ronaldo's shareholding ratio increased from 15% when he renewed his contract in June 2025 to 20%, becoming the second largest shareholder of Riyadh's victory after his parent company, Majid family. This adjustment occurred during the 2025 summer window renewal negotiations and was one of the core terms of its "1+1 contract".

Key Background:

Saudi "Vision 2030" Strategy: The Saudi government has enhanced its global influence in football by introducing international superstars (such as Ronaldo and Benzema), and aims to build the world's top league before the 2034 World Cup.

Club valuation soared: After Ronaldo joined, Riyadh victory valuation jumped from 230 million euros to 380 million euros (2025 data), social media fans increased by more than 12 million, and jersey sales accounted for 80% of the team.

Royce's "dual identity": the game between competition and capital

C competition right to speak:

Royce has deeply participated in the club management, including nominating members of the Portuguese Technical Committee and influencing coach Joseph Jesus' decision to sign aid (such as promoting the introduction of former players such as Jesus and Semedo).

Although he contributed 25 goals and 3 assists in the league last season, his crushing defeat to Kawasaki striker in the AFC semi-finals exposed the limitations of his "single-core leadership".

Business interest binding:

Revenue structure: In addition to an annual salary of 178 million pounds, Ronaldo has built a diversified income system through equity dividends, signing fees (cumulatively more than 100 million euros), and commercial endorsements (Nike, cryptocurrency platforms, etc.).

Long-term income: If the Saudi League is listed as planned in 2026, Ronaldo's equity value may further increase with the growth of market value.

"Royal effect" and hidden worries in Saudi football

League upgrade: Riyadh's victory in global broadcast revenue increased by 400%, and the Saudi Super Cup single-game copyright fee exceeded US$50 million, attracting bids from international platforms such as Amazon and DAZN.

The Saudi League plans to expand its troops to 20 teams in 2026 and introduce the "enterprise club" model, allowing investors to hold a higher proportion of equity, and Ronaldo's case may be a template.

Controversy and Challenges:

Competitive Risk: The 40-year-old Ronaldo still needs to maintain his status to maintain his business value. Last season, its shooting conversion rate (35%) dropped significantly from its peak, and the key battles in the AFC Champions League have repeatedly lost fire and caused doubts.

Public opinion question: Some fans believe that the Saudi league "using money to build a star effect" and lacks real competitive competitiveness. Whether Ronaldo can drive the growth of local players remains a key test.

A game-changing cooperation, Ronaldo's transformation from "employee" to "shareholder" is not only a reflection of his personal business wisdom, but also a new trend of deep binding between professional sports and capital. For Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo's equity symbolizes the success of his "football diplomacy"; for football, this model may reshape the player's value assessment system - in the future, top stars may become the club's real "co-governors".

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