Saudi Arabia continues to make a major push to be a dominant player in global sports.
During the last couple of years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played host to a Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time, hosted heavyweight boxing bouts featuring Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr., funded the controversial LIV golf league and bough Premier League club New Castle through PIF.
Ronaldo and Messi Help With Sports Washing?
One of the most popular football players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has now moved to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo is estimated to be earning a whopping $315 million per year till 2025. Saudi Arabia is also making an exception for Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez to live together as Saudi only allows married couples to cohabit.
Saudi Arabia has also signed Lionel Messi as its tourism ambassador for an estimated $40 million.
Saudi Arabia is accused of using Ronaldo and Messi for sports washing, a term used for distracting attention from its human rights atrocities by focusing on sports. Saudi Arabia is also pushing to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Greece and Egypt.
