What Was Ronaldo’s Release Clause at Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

One of the most intriguing aspects of Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 was the inclusion of a release clause in his contract. A release clause is a contractual provision that allows a player to leave his club if a certain amount is paid by another team.

The Record-Breaking Transfer

Ronaldo’s transfer fee from Manchester United to Real Madrid was a staggering £80 million ($131 million at the time). This made him the most expensive football player in history, surpassing the previous record set by Zinedine Zidane’s transfer from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.

The Release Clause

As part of the negotiations, Ronaldo’s contract with Real Madrid included a release clause. This clause stated that any club wishing to sign Ronaldo would have to pay a mind-boggling €1 billion ($1.17 billion). This enormous figure effectively deterred any potential suitors from attempting to trigger the release clause.

Unprecedented Protection

The inclusion of such an astronomical release clause was unprecedented in football history. It showcased Real Madrid’s determination to protect their prized asset and ensured that Ronaldo would remain at the club for the foreseeable future. The €1 billion figure essentially made it next to impossible for any club to meet the financial requirements necessary for triggering the clause.

Ronaldo’s Dominance

Ronaldo went on to have an illustrious career at Real Madrid, winning numerous trophies and individual accolades. During his nine-year tenure with Los Blancos, he scored an astonishing 450 goals in just 438 appearances, becoming their all-time leading goal scorer. His influence on and off the pitch solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

A New Chapter

In July 2018, Ronaldo shocked the football world once again by securing a move to Italian giants Juventus. This time, however, there was no mention of a release clause in his contract. It is believed that the absence of a release clause was a result of negotiations between Ronaldo and his new club.

While the exact details of Ronaldo’s contract with Juventus remain undisclosed, it is clear that Real Madrid’s record-breaking release clause played a significant role in ensuring his loyalty during his time at the club.

In Conclusion

Ronaldo’s release clause at Real Madrid was set at an astounding €1 billion ($1.17 billion), making it virtually impossible for any club to trigger the clause and sign him. This unprecedented figure showcased Real Madrid’s commitment to protecting their star player and ensured that Ronaldo remained an integral part of the team throughout his illustrious career at the club.