Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth and salary: What is it?

With a net worth estimated at $800 million, Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional soccer player, brand ambassador, and entrepreneur. He ranks among the highest-paid entertainers worldwide, earning around $100-150 million annually through salary and endorsements. For instance, in 2020, his earnings totaled $120 million, comprising approximately $70 million from salary and $50 million from endorsements with brands such as Nike, Clear Shampoo, and Herbalife. Acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers ever, Ronaldo stands alongside legends like Pele, Maradona, and George Best. Famously referred to as “CR7,” he is frequently compared to Lionel Messi in the ongoing debate regarding the world’s best player.

Upon retirement, Ronaldo is expected to exceed $2 billion in career earnings from both salary and endorsements, a benchmark that no other footballer has achieved. Reaching this milestone will secure his place in the $1 billion athlete club, which currently boasts athletes such as Floyd Mayweather ($1 billion), Michael Schumacher ($1 billion), Jack Nicklaus ($1.15 billion), Arnold Palmer ($1.35 billion), Tiger Woods ($1.65 billion), and Michael Jordan ($2+ billion).

The Al Nassr Saudi Contract

In early December 2022, during the World Cup, rumors circulated that Cristiano, having recently parted ways with Manchester United, was close to finalizing a monumental deal with the Saudi club Al Nassr. Reports confirmed on December 5, 2022, that Cristiano had signed a contract worth 500 million Euro over 2.5 years. This contract represents the largest in sports history when considering earnings per season, translating to $210 million.

His Early Life

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5th, 1985, on Madeira, a Portuguese island. His mother worked as a cook, while his father was a gardener and part-time equipment manager for a local soccer club. Cristiano’s upbringing was modest, sharing a single room with his siblings. His father added the name “Ronaldo” as a tribute to Ronald Reagan.

From a young age, Cristiano showcased significant talent, and by the age of 12, he successfully trialed with Sporting Lisbon, who brought him on as a youth player. At 14, he left school to dedicate himself entirely to soccer, which coincided with his expulsion for throwing a chair at a teacher. However, his journey was not entirely straightforward; Cristiano later learned he had a racing heart, a condition necessitating surgery. Following heart surgery to regulate his heart rate, Ronaldo was able to resume training.

His Professional Career

At 17, Cristiano Ronaldo debuted for the first team of Sporting Lisbon, netting two goals in a 3-0 victory. Following Sporting’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2003, manager Alex Ferguson set his sights on recruiting the young talent. The following season, Ronaldo joined Manchester United, securing a record-breaking transfer fee for a teenager in English football. He made his debut as a substitute in a 4-0 victory.

scoring free-kicks, marking his first goal for the Red Devils.

Despite requesting a transfer during the 2006-2007 season, Ronaldo chose to remain with Manchester United, improving his gameplay in the process. This season saw him net over 20 goals and secure the Premier League title. In the subsequent season, he captured his first Champions League title and reached an impressive tally of 42 goals, setting a new record for the club. He spent one additional year with Manchester United in the 2008-2009 season.

Eventually, Ronaldo transferred to his childhood club Real Madrid for a then-record transfer fee. In his first four games, he scored in each one, establishing another record. He concluded his debut season with Real Madrid having scored 33 goals. The following season, he became the inaugural Real Madrid player to score over 40 goals in a single season. The year after, he surpassed all previous records by amassing 60 goals across competitions. After several successful years, he wrapped up 2013 with an impressive 69 goals, earning the Ballon d’Or for the first time. He departed Real Madrid in 2018 after achieving multiple trophies and breaking numerous records.

Following this, Ronaldo signed with Juventus, where he ended his first season with 21 goals and eight assists. In 2020, he embarked on his second season at Juventus. Ronaldo’s international career has also been remarkable, highlighted by winning the Euro Cup in 2016. While donning the Portuguese jersey, he often takes on a leadership role, displaying remarkable passion and dedication. In 2021, Ronaldo made his return to Manchester United, finishing his only complete season as the club’s top scorer before his contract concluded in 2022. The year 2023 saw Ronaldo signing with Al Nassr.

Endorsement Earnings and Salary

Typically, Cristiano Ronaldo’s base salary exceeds $60 million annually, although this amount has varied over the years and across different clubs. Furthermore, he earns more than $40 million each year through endorsements.

From June 2017 to June 2018, Cristiano generated $108 million: $61 million from his salary and $47 million through endorsements. The next year, he amassed $110 million from his various ventures. Within the subsequent year, his earnings reached $120 million.

Among his most lucrative endorsement deals is the one with Nike. In November 2016, news broke that Cristiano had entered into a $1 billion “lifetime” deal with the brand. While specific details of this agreement remain undisclosed, it is speculated that it included a $100 million signing bonus.

Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo markets various self-branded products, including perfumes and apparel.

After nine years at Real Madrid, Ronaldo signed a four-year contract with Juventus in 2018, which includes a base salary of $64 million.

Style Of Play

Cristiano Ronaldo started as a winger, renowned for his speed and skill in maneuvering past defenders in one-on-one encounters while providing crosses into the box. From an early age, he was also celebrated for his ability to shoot, especially notable in long-range attempts and free kicks. Over time, he developed his own signature technique for scoring free kicks, becoming a hallmark of his playing style.

Free kicks that involved striking directly through the center of the ball were aimed at creating a flight path that is hard to predict.

As he progressed in his career, Cristiano transitioned into a central, traditional striker role. With age causing a decline in his pace, Ronaldo adapted his playing style to become more of a “goal poacher,” demonstrating clinical finishing within the box. His knack for scoring from crosses stands out, showcasing either powerful headers or remarkable bicycle kicks. However, in recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo’s proficiency in free-kicks has waned.

Awards and Trophies

Among the most decorated soccer players in history, Cristiano Ronaldo has received the Ballon d’Or five times, the pinnacle of individual accolades in soccer. Additionally, he has secured the Golden Boot four times, awarded to the top scorer across various leagues. In both these categories, Ronaldo surpasses all other European players.

By 2023, Ronaldo had amassed 32 trophies throughout his career, which includes seven league titles, five Champions League titles, a Euro Cup win, and a Nations League title. Notably, he became the first player in history to win the Champions League five times in 2018. His goal-scoring record is equally impressive; as of 2023, he has netted over 800 goals for both club and country. With a record 140 goals in the Champions League and 17 in the Euro Cup, he is the first player to score in two European Cup finals while representing two different winning teams. At 35, Ronaldo was among a select group of players having appeared in over 1,000 matches, showing no signs of retiring soon.

Personal Life

Cristiano is the father of five children. His five-year relationship with Russian model Irina Shayk came to an end in January 2015. Presently, he is in a relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez.

Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has supported numerous charities, contributing to relief initiatives following natural disasters and serving as the Global Artist Ambassador for Save the Children. In 2015, he was recognized as the world’s most charitable sportsperson after donating over $6 million to aid the Nepal earthquake relief, which affected more than 8,000 lives.

Ronaldo and his family relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2023, prompting him to put his Manchester mansion on the market for $6.6 million. They initially resided in a skyscraper hotel in Riyadh, paying $300k per month before settling into a permanent home. His $21.6 million mega mansion in Portugal features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as a garage capable of housing up to 30 supercars, serving as his retirement abode at the end of his football journey.