Saudi Arabia set to bend marriage laws for Cristiano Ronaldo

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
9 Jan 16:27

The kingdom's authorities are set to bend the law for Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez.

Portoguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez (AP).

Saudi Arabia are set to bend their marriage laws to allow football star Cristiano Ronaldo to live with partner Georgina Rodriguez, without a formal marriage binding them.

The Portuguese striker, 37, recently signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, following his bombshell exit from Premier League club Manchester United prior to the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia currently prohibits unmarried couples from living together, which poses potential problems for CR7, who is not married to his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez. However, the Arab nation is set to bend their laws for the former Real Madrid man, with the couple set to be granted an exemption to live together.

Start of a new era 🙏🇸🇦#HalaRonaldo pic.twitter.com/4N8t9zi734
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) January 3, 2023

However, Rodriguez will still be subject to a number of other Saudi Arabian laws, according to MARCA, which will include her clothing in public.

‘Rules are made for the poor’

Although the marriage law exemption clearly benefits Cristiano Ronaldo and his family, some Instagram users expressed their displeasure with the rules being bent for the footballer.

One user commented, “Rules are made for poor people.” Another stated, “Nothing new here. Laws have never been applicable when they get in the way of profit.”

Ronaldo, who will become the world’s highest-paid player, earning $200 million (AU $290 million) a year, likely represents more to the Gulf nation than simply profit. Signing the star reinforces Saudi Arabia’s bid of becoming a major sporting country in the Middle East.