"Playing for Free?" — David De Gea Jokes About Cristiano Ronaldo's Record-Breaking Al Nassr Deal

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has fired off a cheeky jab at his ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, following the Portuguese superstar’s contract renewal with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo, who turned 40 this year, announced via his X handle that he had signed a new deal with Al Nassr, calling it a "new chapter, same passion, same dream." But it was De Gea’s playful reply that caught fans’ attention.

“He’s playing for free,” De Gea joked — clearly poking fun at the astronomical pay Ronaldo receives.

💰 A Deal Worth More Than Gold

While the exact figures of the renewed deal haven’t been made public, reports suggest Ronaldo’s new contract improves on his previous terms — which were already the most lucrative in world sports.

According to ESPN and the MLS Players Association, Ronaldo earned around $210 million per year — over 10 times more than Lionel Messi, who makes just over $20 million annually at Inter Miami.

This new contract, then, is expected to keep Ronaldo not just among the most famous, but also the highest-paid athletes on the planet.

🧠 Opinion: De Gea’s Banter, but Bigger Questions Remain

While De Gea’s joke brought lighthearted energy to the announcement, it also underscores the ongoing debate around elite players chasing paychecks in leagues that, while growing fast, still lag behind in global prestige.

For Ronaldo, however, it’s clear: he’s unapologetically chasing both legacy and leverage. At 40, he’s still breaking records, drawing global eyes to the Middle East, and cashing historic cheques. If that’s not GOAT behavior, what is?

But one can't help but wonder — how much of football's soul is being sold in the process? Or is this simply the evolution of the modern game, where loyalty is balanced with brand, and passion is priced in dollars?

🗣️ Fan Reactions:

“De Gea throwing shade with love 😂”

“$210M a year? For real? This man is the Saudi treasury.”

“Even at 40, Ronaldo is still levels above. Let him collect his coins!”

“Funny how De Gea is joking from the bench though…”

“Messi plays for football. Ronaldo plays for fortune. Different breeds.”

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💡 Whether you see it as love for the game or a love for the gain, one thing’s for sure: Cristiano Ronaldo remains the most talked-about footballer — on and off the pitch.