Ronaldo’s Hong Kong visit can boost China-Saudi ties, Al-Nassr executive says

This week’s Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong could help deepen ties between two “very powerful countries” in Saudi Arabia and China, a leading executive from Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr has said.

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The four-team competition is being staged in Hong Kong for the first time, with Al-Nassr set to meet Saudi champions Al-Ittihad in the first semi-final on Tuesday night.

The two nations expanded cooperation during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2022 visit to the kingdom, and Hong Kong has since forged closer Saudi bonds.

And speaking exclusively to the Post, Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo said Saudi Arabia was aiming to become “a very strong country all over the world, like China” in time for its hosting of the 2034 Fifa World Cup.

“Football is one of the best networks in the world,” Semedo said. “I believe having this competition here will help both countries have much stronger relationships from now on.

Ronaldo is at the forefront of Saudi football’s expansion. Photo: X/AlNassr FC

“They are very powerful countries; Saudi Arabia wants to develop more and more … I believe China is a massive help for Saudi.

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