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

Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on the Saudi Pro League has stunned Jorge Jesus, with it claimed nobody would watch if CR7 was not in the division.

• Portuguese icon moved to Middle East in 2023
• Opened the door for other stars to follow him
• GOAT packs out stadiums wherever he goes

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  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.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  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.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  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.

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  WHAT JESUS SAID

  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."