A decisive contribution in propelling the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus striker to a nine-figure fortune came not only from sponsorship deals with Nike and Armani, but also from his contract extension with Al-Nassr, signed in June last year, which is said to have earned the Portuguese player more than $400 million.
The income earned in Saudi Arabia is tax-free and his contract also includes a stake in the club and access to a private jet, according to sources.
Investing in Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo prefers to direct his investments in his native Portugal, where he analyses potential deals with a small group of trusted people. One example is his interest in the City of Padel club in Lisbon, a sport he frequently practises.
Ronaldo has also invested heavily in property. His portfolio includes a luxury residence in Madeira and an exclusive apartment in Lisbon, which set a record for the price per square metre in the capital. He is currently building an imposing property in the upmarket Quinta da Marinha area near Lisbon, valued at around €20m.
Sports career centre stage
Even with these sums in his account, CR7 has no intention of stopping: "I believe I can still offer a lot to the national team and to football. I want to keep playing for a few more years, but not many, to be honest. I am sure that when I retire, I will be satisfied because I will have given my all," he said while receiving the 'Globe Prestige Award' in Portugal.
"I know I don't have many years left to play, but I want to make the most of the little time I have. My philosophy is to live day by day. No long-term plans. I enjoy every day and every training session."
Duel with Messi in financial terms too
The wage gap between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi reached an all-time low in 2023, despite the two having long battled it out for the title of greatest player and being paid similar amounts.
Ronaldo's move to the Gulf has created a major discrepancy to the salary Messi received at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
However, the Argentine could equal his lifelong rival financially in the long term. His contract with the American team includes a unique clause: Messi is to receive a stake in the Inter Miami club upon his retirement from football. The deal could once again balance the financial scales between the two super champions.
