Martina Navratilova holds Cristiano Ronaldo in contempt for his decision to play in Saudi Arabia amidst human rights issues

Martina Navratilova is unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo's recent move to the Saudi football club Al Nassr. Social media also agreed with her.


Martina Navratilova holds Cristiano Ronaldo in contempt for his decision to play in Saudi Arabia amidst human rights issues

Martina Navratilova mocks Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi club Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most sought-after football superstars in the world. Most of the football clubs would be ready to spend enormous amounts to make him part of their first team. After shining in the best European football clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. The Portuguese superstar has arrived in Saudi Arabia.

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He signed a £177 million a year deal with Saudi Football club Al Nassr, until 2025. Al Nassr is a football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and features in the Saudi Pro League. However, his agreement to play in Saudi-based club has drawn ire from many human rights groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Along with them, Martina Navratilova has also joined the bandwagon. She took a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo in an indirect manner in her latest social media post.

So it’s not about the money Cristiano?!? Good to know,” her caption read.

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Martina Navratilova is known for speaking her mind on human rights issues. She has been quite vocal on the front of LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.

Related: Roger Federer’s 2017 Australian Open run got the Grand Slam accused of manipulating the surface to assist the Swiss maestro

Social media agrees with Martina Navratilova’s views

Martina Navratilova (Image Credit: Essentially Sports)
Martina Navratilova (Image Credit: Essentially Sports)

Despite suffering from twin cancer, the nine-time Wimbledon champion is speaking about issues that perturb her. This time she has raised concerns about the way Cristiano Ronaldo could be used by Saudi authorities to hide their human rights track record. The term that is used for this practice is known as ‘sportswashing’. This term has been in use for a very long time and more so last year with the FIFA World Cup 2022 that concluded last December in Qatar.

Amnesty International too, has raised its concerns over possible sportswashing by Saudi Government by using the name CR7. Previously, the same NGO had raised its concerns over the tennis players’ participation in the Diriyah Tennis Cup, which was held in December 2022. Taylor Fritz won the competition by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.

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Meanwhile, social media users have also posted in solidarity with Martina Navratilova‘s views on the Portuguese superstar to Al Nassr. Here are a few reactions that came in.

However, one social media user defended Cristiano Ronaldo and his decision to play in Saudi league.

The three-time Australian Open champion was invited to give her expert opinions on the Australian Open 2023 as a TV analyst. However, she has now decided to prioritize her health but will be sharing her views through Zoom calls. Meanwhile, her fans are praying for her good health.

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