According to Saudi outlet Okaz, Ronaldo has made it clear that a contract renewal will only be considered if the club undertakes a significant structural revamp—starting with the dismissal of Pioli, sporting director Fernando Hierro, and nearly half of the current first-team squad

"He had a physical problem, but I wouldn't say it was 100% a big problem, but we preferred him not to be in the game," Pioli stated, downplaying the severity of the issue. However, sources suggest that the decision was influenced by a combination of fitness concerns and off-field factors

The Saudi Arabian side, one of three clubs from the kingdom to progress to the knockout stages, will aim to capitalize on their strong group stage performance as they continue their pursuit of continental glory

From there, the hosts took control. Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn gave Al Ittihad the lead just before half-time, scoring on the rebound after his initial header was parried by Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Bono

Following Ronaldo on the list is NBA star Stephen Curry, who amassed $153.8 million, followed by heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury ($147 million), Argentine football icon Lionel Messi ($135 million), and basketball legend LeBron James ($133.2 million)

Ronaldo's influence has extended far beyond his contributions on the field. His move to Saudi Arabia has sparked a wave of high-profile signings in the league, with aging superstars following his lead in joining the big-spending clubs of the kingdom

Ronaldo, 39, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United, was met with chants of “Messi, Messi” from opposition fans at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday

Cristiano Ronaldo dazzled with a brace as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Gharafa 3-1 in the AFC Champions League at Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar. The win earned Al-Nassr vital points, elevating them to second place in Group B standings

Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Saudi Pro League, with early goals, disallowed efforts, and intense moments. Al-Nassr struck first, but Al-Hilal’s persistence earned them an equalizer in an electrifying showdown

The Saudi league could provide a less demanding environment for Pogba, allowing him to concentrate on regaining his form without the pressure typically associated with top-tier European football.

Speaking to Portuguese television channel Now, Ronaldo shared his thoughts on his future. “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr,” he said. "I'm happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue"

The highly anticipated clash at the King Saud University Stadium, which was set to be a showcase of Saudi football’s growing prominence, instead turned into a dramatic illustration of the intense rivalry between Ronaldo and Al-Hilal