Qatar’s World Cup proved to be a colossal success, and FIFA is already eyeing a record revenue from the 2026 edition in North America. The bidding process for the 2030 FIFA World Cup is heating up. However, Saudi Arabia intends to make a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup and has already tied the two biggest soccer stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to different deals. 

Saudi Arabia has been acting fast to make it a strong contender for hosting the 2030 World Cup. Earlier this year, to promote tourism, they signed Messi as a brand ambassador. Ronaldo is also coming to the country. He has signed a lucrative deal with Al-Nassr FC. The reports suggest that there’s a World Cup clause in the contract.

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Ronaldo has signed for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The lucrative deal will make the Portuguese the highest-paid athlete, as he will earn close to $200 million a year. The former Manchester United star is due to get $75 million in salary annually.

Ronaldo was a free agent after ending his contract with United last month. He also had a deal from the MLS franchise, Kansas City FC, on the table and was reported to be close to that of Al-Nassr. However, the former Real Madrid talisman opted for Al-Nassr and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal. 

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What makes this deal different is the clause inserted into the contract. The clause is for Ronaldo to continue as a brand ambassador from 2025 to 2030 for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Cup. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has already tied Lionel Messi to a deal to promote tourism in the country. 

With Lionel Messi, a brand ambassador of Saudi Arabian tourism, and their intention to make Ronaldo the brand ambassador of their World Cup bid, they’re already making a strong case. However, it will be interesting to see how things pan out with Portugal and Argentina will be making different bids for hosting the 2030 edition. 

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With 2024 approaching, the bidding process for the 2030 World Cup is already underway. There are reports of Spain and Portugal’s joint bid in place. Ukraine has also joined the Iberian nations for the bid.

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South American nations Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile are also reported to launch a joint bid for hosting the 2030 World Cup. Another joint bid from Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Egypt is also in news. Saudi Arabia, after tying two superstars of this generation, will be feeling confident now.

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With Messi and Ronaldo’s respective countries also set to be a part of the 2030 bidding process, it will be interesting to see the stance of the two legends. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.