RONALDO MEANS BUSINESS

Cristiano Ronaldo's journey to global stardom is a story of resilience, dedication, and overcoming adversity. Born into a modest family in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo’s father, a war veteran turned alcoholic, passed away when Cristiano was just 20 years old.

Despite the profound loss, Ronaldo has always believed that his father watches over him from heaven, guiding him through his remarkable rise to the top. He still regrets not having had a meaningful conversation with his father, a sentiment that adds an emotional layer to his extraordinary success.

From humble beginnings, Cristiano’s love for football started early, working as a kit man at his local club, CF Andorinha, before eventually joining the prestigious Sporting CP. Even at the age of 15, after undergoing heart surgery, Ronaldo’s passion for the game couldn’t be quelled. His godfather, Fernao Sousa, recalls that Ronaldo would often sneak out of his bedroom to play football, even skipping meals to do so. His relentless determination and passion for the game set the stage for what would become an unparalleled career.

Fast forward to today, and Cristiano Ronaldo stands as one of the most successful athletes in history. With five Ballon d'Ors, countless accolades, and records shattered, Ronaldo’s name is synonymous with success. His extraordinary playing career has earned him an estimated yearly income of €172 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. However, Ronaldo’s wealth doesn’t stem solely from his football career. His ventures off the pitch have played a significant role in securing his financial future.

Ronaldo is not just a footballer but a savvy businessman. His entrepreneurial ventures include investments in hotels, fashion, fitness, and more. One of his most notable ventures is the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, a collaboration with the Pestana Hotel Group. Starting in his hometown of Madeira, the hotel brand has expanded globally, with locations in Lisbon, Madrid, and New York City.

Ronaldo's personal brand, CR7, is another major business. It includes a wide range of products such as apparel, shoes, eyewear, fragrances, and even undergarments for both men and women. He also partnered with a British perfume manufacturer to develop his own fragrance, Eden Perfume Cristiano Ronaldo. His fashion empire continues to grow, with products seen across the globe.

In the fitness world, Ronaldo co-owns CR7 Crunch Fitness, a chain of fitness centers. With his focus on health and fitness, it’s no surprise that he is sharing his passion by encouraging others to lead active lives. The gyms are currently operating in Portugal and Spain, with plans for further expansion.

Ronaldo has also entered the restaurant business, joining forces with Rafael Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Enrique Iglesias to own Grupo Mabel Capital, which operates high-end restaurants in locations like Madrid, Beverly Hills, Ibiza, and Doha. Additionally, Ronaldo’s latest business venture, Insparya, is a hair clinic offering transplant services to help people regain confidence. He owns 50% of the company, with his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, overseeing its operations.

One of Ronaldo’s most lucrative investments is his private jet services. The Portuguese icon owns a Gulfstream G650, which costs $73 million, and has a fleet of private jets for personal use and rental. With a range of 7,500 nautical miles, his Gulfstream offers luxury and speed, accommodating 19 passengers in style. Renting out his jets brings in significant revenue, further boosting his wealth.

As Ronaldo nears the end of his playing career, his portfolio of businesses continues to grow. With investments in tech, energy, and health companies, his financial empire is vast. Estimated to have a net worth between $550 million and $650 million in 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is secure both on and off the pitch. The legend’s ventures ensure that, even when he decides to retire, he will remain a global force.