Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded squad landed in Riyadh on Thursday for a friendly match against a Saudi XI that will pit Cristiano Ronaldo against his old rival Lionel Messi.
Al Nassr's new record signing Ronaldo will be playing his first game since moving to the Saudi club and has generated tremendous interest across the world, with more than two million requests for tickets. Also, one lucky Saudi real estate businessman – real estate entrepreneur Mushref Al Ghamdi – won a special VIP ticket to see the friendly after bidding $2.6 million at auction.
The Portuguese great will be a part of the “Riyadh Season Cup” exhibition game at the King Fahd Stadium on Thursday, leading an all-star team comprising players from Ronaldo's new club Al Nassr and city rivals Al Hilal.
PSG are not short of top-level talent. They arrived in the kingdom with World Cup winner Messi, Qatar 2022 finalist Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian star Neymar, along with the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Portugal great Ronaldo, who turns 38 next month, signed a contract with Al Nassr that runs until 2025 and is reportedly worth more than $200 million.
PSG arrived in Saudi after meeting with fans and sponsors in Qatar on Wednesday and training in Doha.
The match will kick off at 9pm UAE time and will be shown on beIN Sports in the Mena region.
-
Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo watches from the stand as his team take on At Ta'ee at the Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh on Friday, January 6, 2023. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo in the stands during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ta'ee in Riyadh on Friday. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledges fans at Mrsool Park in Riyadh. Reuters -
Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the Mrsool Park Stadium in Riyadh. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo poses with fans in Riyadh on Friday. AP -
Al Nassr players before the match against Ta'ee. AP -
Al Nassr fands watch the game on Friday despite heavy rain. AP -
An Al Nassr fan poses showing a shirt with Cristiano Ronaldo's name on it in Riyadh. Reuters -
Fans watched Friday's game amid heavy rain and cold. Reuters -
An Al Nassr fan poses with a Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey. Reuters -
Al Nassr fans sit during heavy rain at Mrsool Park in Riyadh. AP -
Saudi fans watched Friday's game in heavy rain. AP
