'If he wasn't here, no-one would be' - Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on Saudi Pro League stuns new Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus

The Portuguese GOAT made his way to the Middle East early in 2023, following his stunning release by Premier League giants Manchester United. As has often been the case over the course of his remarkable career, Ronaldo quickly became a trendsetter.

Several other household names have followed him to the Middle East, including fellow Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Neymar and England international striker Ivan Toney.

Big money is on offer to those competing in the Saudi Pro League, which helps to attract global stars, but the domestic game continues to grow. Ronaldo is still aiding that cause, with a new two-year contract being signed.

He helps to pack out venues, with new Al-Nassr coach Jesus telling reporters on the back of seeing CR7 net a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Rio Ave: "He's a phenomenon. You saw that this stadium was packed because of him. If he weren't here, no one would be here. He's a devil not only here, but also abroad, it's something I didn't realize what he means to the youth. And then he continues in the game. He doesn't need many opportunities to score. If he touches the ball three times, close to the goal, he scores two. Today, he scored three."

Ronaldo is one goal short of 100 for Al-Nassr, while he continues to chase down 1,000 in total over the course of his career. The evergreen 40-year-old remains captain of Portugal and is expected to generate more interest at next summer’s World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.