Stoichkov, who played only two matches, was the last superstar to pull on the shirt of Al Nasr, which was formed as an amateur team in 1955 and went on to win nine Saudi league titles.
Ronaldo, 37, is on a different level again, having won five Ballons d’Or, five European Champions League titles and a host of domestic honours, along with a considerable personal fortune and millions of adoring fans.
While the resource-rich Gulf has attracted its share of aging stars, including George Weah, Pep Guardiola and Xavi, the Portuguese – and his hefty salary – is taking the region’s football into uncharted waters.