Cristiano Ronaldo, widely known as “CR7,” is not only a Portuguese professional soccer player but also a product ambassador and entrepreneur. With a net worth of $600 million, Ronaldo consistently ranks among the highest-paid entertainers globally.
His annual earnings typically range between $100-150 million, combining salary and endorsements.
For instance, in 2020, Ronaldo earned $120 million, with $70 million coming from his soccer salary and $50 million from endorsements with major brands such as Nike, Clear Shampoo, and Herbalife.
Recognized as one of the greatest footballers in history, Ronaldo has earned his place among legends like Pele, Maradona, and George Best.
His rivalry with Lionel Messi remains a prominent discussion in the soccer world, as fans and experts continue to debate who is the best player of their generation.
By the time Cristiano Ronaldo retires, he is expected to easily surpass $1 billion in career earnings from salary and endorsements, making him the first footballer to achieve this financial milestone.
Upon reaching this mark, Ronaldo will join the exclusive “$1 billion athlete club,” a group of elite sports figures who have amassed over $1 billion in career earnings.
Ronaldo’s remarkable success in both football and brand endorsements has cemented his legacy not only as one of the greatest players of all time but also as one of the highest-earning athletes in history.
Al Nassr Saudi Contract
In early December 2022, during the FIFA World Cup, rumors circulated that Cristiano Ronaldo, recently released from his contract with Manchester United, was close to signing an unprecedented deal with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
By December 5, 2022, reports surfaced confirming that Ronaldo had signed a staggering 500 million Euro contract for a 2.5-year term. This deal, which equates to approximately $210 million per year, became the largest contract in sports history in terms of annual earnings.
This monumental agreement further cemented Ronaldo’s position as one of the highest-earning athletes of all time.
Endorsements & Salary
Cristiano Ronaldo consistently earns substantial sums both on and off the field. Typically, he earns more than $60 million annually as a base salary, although this has varied throughout his career with different clubs. In addition to his salary, Ronaldo earns over $40 million a year from endorsements.
Here is a breakdown of his earnings in recent years:
- June 2017 to June 2018: Ronaldo earned $108 million, with $61 million from salary and $47 million from endorsements.
- June 2018 to June 2019: His earnings increased to $110 million, derived from his salary and endorsement deals.
- June 2019 to June 2020: He earned $120 million during this one-year period.
These figures underscore Ronaldo’s incredible financial success, both from his football contracts and his extensive endorsement portfolio.
One of Cristiano Ronaldo’s most lucrative endorsement deals is with Nike, which in November 2016, was revealed to be a $1 billion “lifetime” contract. While specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, it’s widely believed that the deal included a $100 million signing bonus.
This monumental partnership with Nike places Ronaldo among a select few athletes, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who have secured lifetime deals with the brand.
In addition to his endorsement with Nike, Ronaldo has built a successful empire around his self-branded products.
These include a range of perfumes, clothing lines, footwear, and even underwear, all contributing significantly to his off-field earnings and expanding his brand beyond football.
After spending nine successful years with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo signed a four-year contract with Juventus in 2018.
This deal provided him with a base salary of $64 million per year. Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus marked a significant moment in his career and further solidified his reputation as one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
His time at Juventus not only brought success on the pitch but also continued his high earnings through both salary and endorsements.
