Cristiano Ronaldo ‘rejects £5.3million-a-year to be face of Saudi Arabian tourism’
Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down a multi-million-pound offer to become the face
of Saudi Arabian tourism with fears over human rights record
The deal amounted to €6million per year (£5.3m) and is understood to have included Ronaldo making visits to
the country and his image being used on all promotional material.
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The Portugal captain, 35, decided to ‘pass’ on the offer. Concerns have been raised over Saudi Arabia’s human
rights record as the country tries to attract world-class sport to its shores.
Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi has also been approached by Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority, but his view on
the proposal is not yet known.
Both representatives of Ronaldo and Messi refused to discuss the matter when approached by The Telegraph.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo became the highest-scoring player in footballing history as Juventus beat Napoli to
win the Italian Super Cup, while Messi has won a record six world player of the year crowns.
Saudi Arabia is aiming to become an attractive tourist hub through its ‘Visit Saudi’ campaign with the country’s
reputation in the doldrums over its chequered human rights record, although travel is currently limited due to
Covid-19 and Visit Saudi adverts state that a visa must be acquired to go there.
