The world-famous soccer player is set to break the law in Saudi Arabia as he and his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, will live together in the country without marriage.
According to strict Saudi law, couples cannot live together in the same house without marriage. And as the Portuguese footballer has recently signed a two-year contract with the kingdom’s Al-Nassr club, he will be staying there and, of course, not alone.
“Oil-rich Saudi Arabia’s success in luring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on a two-year contract with the kingdom’s Al Nassr FC is the Gulf monarchy’s latest step in realizing its sporting ambitions – seemingly at any cost,” CNN reported.
“According to Saudi state-owned media, Ronaldo will earn an estimated $200 million a year with Al Nassr, making him the world’s highest-paid soccer player.”
The 37-year-old GOAT player landed in Saudi along with his family on Tuesday, January 3, where he received a massive and warm welcome from the Saudi officials and general people.
According to Daily Mail, “He was unveiled to fans on Tuesday when he was introduced as ‘the world’s greatest footballer’ in front of 25,000 raucous supporters at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, to a backdrop of fireworks, flares, and strobe lighting.”
The Spanish model will stay with her longtime partner, Ronaldo, their two children, and Ronaldo’s other three children.
Reports say that despite strict Islamic laws in the kingdom, the Saudi government will turn a blind eye to their living situation.
Two anonymous Saudi lawyers told the Spanish media agency EFE that the kingdom will not interfere with the couple’s living situation even without marriage.
“Although the laws of the kingdom still prohibit cohabitation without a marriage contract, the authorities have recently started to turn a blind eye and no longer prosecute anyone.”
“Although these laws are used when there is a problem or a crime.”
A second lawyer added, “Nowadays, Saudi authorities no longer interfere in this matter – for expatriates – even though the law prohibits cohabitation without marriage.”
The only problem the couple will face is Rodriguez’s visa – she will not be issued a spouse visa as the kingdom’s law states that a woman can obtain a visa only if she is married to, working with, or closely related to a man.
“The lawyers posited that football club Al Nassr could personally sponsor the model’s visa, with the alternative of Rodriguez obtaining a one-year tourist visa, though this would expire long before the end of Ronaldo’s contract,” per Daily Mail.
The couple’s permanent living arrangements have not been finalized yet, and for the time being, they will reside in a luxury suite in one of the tallest buildings in the country.
Speaking to a press conference, Cristiano said about his new venture,
“I feel so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done. I won everything, and now this is a new challenge. I’m grateful Al Nassr have given me this opportunity, not only for the football but for the young generation and the female generation.”
“I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia, the US and even Portugal many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club. This is a good chance to grow many important points here with my knowledge and my experience.”
“I’m a unique player,” he added. “I beat all the records there. I want to beat a few records here. This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal.”
“Many people speak and give their opinions but they really do know nothing about football. It’s not the end of my career to come to Saudi Arabia. I really don’t worry about what the people say.”
Let us know your views in the comment section.
Sources: CNN – Daily Mail
