Neymar hails Ronaldo impact for influx of players now chasing Saudi riches

Neymar heaps praise on Ronaldo. Photo Credit - Al Hilal and ESPN

FOOTBALL Neymar hails Ronaldo impact for influx of players now chasing Saudi riches

Mark Kinyanjui 13:30 - 18.08.2023

Neymar is set to earn up to Ksh17.5 billion a year amongst other lucrative benefits by joining Al Hilal, something he credits to Ronaldo for creating the way.

Al Hilal's newest Brazilian sensation Neymar has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the reason many players have decided to pursue Saudi Arabia in the next career chapters.

Neymar joined Al Hilal in a move worth 80 million pounds(Ksh 13 billion), becoming the latest member in a list of many European-based superstars who have chosen to swim in the riches of Saudi Arabian football this summer.

“I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy’, and this and that. Today you see the league grow more and more,” Neymar said.

“It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. 

Neymar is confident in the quality of his new team Al Hilal, citing it as a reason he moved to the club, not merely because of the mouthwatering several paydays ahead.

“I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was certainly for me,

“I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club’s ambition.”

Neymar is set to earn a yearly salary of 100 million pounds (Ksh17 billion). On top of that, he has been granted a house with 25 bedrooms.

The compound the house is located in has a 40 by 10 meter swimming pool, as well as five permanently employed staff that will serve the house.

He has also been granted three cars, a Bentley Continental GT, an Aston Martin DBX, and a Lamborghini Huracán. The cars will be chauffeured by a 24-hour driver. He was also offered a private jet.

He will also pocket a cool 500,000 pounds for every post he makes that promotes Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Pro League has invested over 600 million euros to lure a host of top players and coaches from different European clubs.

Saudi Arabia wants to improve its image by investing in various sporting disciplines, not just football. By acquiring names like Ronaldo and Neymar, they are aware that their marketability will attract their fans into following the league.