How Cristiano Ronaldo Became The World’s Highest Paid Athlete

Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest paid athlete in the world, is a name that resonates with excellence in soccer. Playing as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and captaining the Portugal national team, his career has seen him at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His influence on the game is undeniable.

Setting the stage for a journey through his life and career, it’s vital to highlight Ronaldo’s financial success. He makes a staggering $136 million annually, reflecting his skill on the field and his status as a global icon.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The World’s Highest Paid Athlete

Ronaldo’s early life and childhood were filled with challenges and triumphs. Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo grew up in a Roman Catholic home with his parents and three siblings. Poverty and his father’s alcoholism marked his early years, but his passion for soccer was evident from a young age.

He began playing for Andorinha from 1992 to 1995, where his father worked as the kit man. Ronaldo’s talent was soon recognized, and he joined Nacional for two years before moving to Sporting CP’s youth academy at the age of 12. His dedication to soccer was so strong he decided to leave school and focus entirely on the sport at 14.

Ronaldo’s early life was not without struggles. He was expelled from school after an altercation with a teacher and was diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition that could have ended his soccer career. However, a successful heart surgery allowed him to continue playing.

His time at Sporting CP’s academy shaped him into a promising young soccer player, and his talent caught the attention of Manchester United, where he would eventually make his mark on the world stage.

Debut With Sporting CP

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey into professional soccer began with Sporting CP, where he made his mark as a young talent. At 16, he was promoted from Sporting’s youth team, impressing with his dribbling skills. His debut in the Primeira Liga came in September 2002, and he quickly made an impact by scoring two goals against Moreirense. His performances caught the attention of major European clubs, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal.

However, Manchester United secured Ronaldo’s services in August 2003, making him the first Portuguese player to sign for the club. His debut in the Premier League was met with a standing ovation, and he soon scored his first goal for the club with a free-kick against Portsmouth.

Ronaldo’s first season in English soccer concluded with an FA Cup victory, and he quickly became known for his flair and skill, earning praise from legends like George Best. His development under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance set the stage for a career filled with success and accolades.

Club Glory: Time at Major Clubs

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey through major clubs began with Manchester United in 2003, winning three consecutive Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. His time at United was marked by development, breakthroughs, and individual success, including winning the Ballon d’Or.

In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee, becoming a key contributor to the team’s success. With Madrid, he won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and three Club World Cups. His attacking trio with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale at Real Madrid was integral to the team’s success.

His contributions didn’t stop there. Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus in 2018 was another significant milestone. He won two Serie A titles, two Supercoppa Italiana trophies, and a Coppa Italia with the Italian club. He became the inaugural Serie A Most Valuable Player and the first soccer player to finish as top scorer in the English, Spanish, and Italian leagues.

His relationships with teammates and coaches were often highlighted, and his time at these clubs has solidified his reputation as one of the greatest players ever. His titles won, records set, and relationships with teammates and coaches have made him a legend in soccer.

Playing for The Nation: International Career With Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in 2003 at the age of 18, and he quickly became a key figure for his country. With more than 100 goals at the international level, he’s Portugal’s all-time top goal scorer. Ronaldo’s leadership and skill have been instrumental in Portugal’s success on the international stage, including helping the team reach the Euro 2004 final and assuming the captaincy in 2008.

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major tournament title at Euro 2016, receiving the Silver Boot as the second-highest goal scorer of the tournament. This achievement was followed by victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, where he received the top scorer award in the finals. His performance in Euro 2020 also earned him the Golden Boot as the top scorer. 

The Big Move: Career Transition to Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo made a significant move in his career by joining Al Nassr in 2023. Ronaldo transitioned to the Saudi Pro League club after briefly returning to Manchester United for the 2021-2022 season, where he scored 40 goals in 19 appearances. His career with Al Nassr began with 16 appearances and 14 goals.

The move to Al Nassr significantly shifted his soccer career and substantially impacted his earnings. According to reports, Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr is said to be the “biggest salary ever in soccer.” This deal further boosted his status as one of the top-paid athletes globally.

Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is a potential financial windfall for his new club and Saudi Arabia. His presence in the Saudi Pro League is expected to increase the league’s global visibility and attract more international attention to Saudi Arabian soccer.

Money Matters: Financial Breakdown

Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of the ten highest-paid athletes in 2023, amassing on- and off-field earnings of $136 million. His earnings include $46 million from his playing salary and bonuses, primarily from his time at Manchester United and his move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr.

Off the field, Ronaldo’s earnings are even more substantial. He made $90 million from endorsements, appearances, licensing income, and other business endeavors. This includes lucrative deals with major brands and his CR7 clothing and footwear line.

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 played a significant role in augmenting his revenue. The details of his contract with Al-Nassr are not publicly disclosed. Still, the move has positively impacted his overall earnings, solidifying his position as the highest-paid athlete.

The combination of his playing salary, bonuses, endorsements, and other income sources paints a picture of a soccer superstar who has leveraged his talent and brand to create a financial empire. His earnings reflect his skill on the field and his savvy in building a lucrative personal brand.

Branding Genius: Endorsements and Partnerships

Cristiano Ronaldo’s success on the field has translated into a branding empire off the field. His endorsements include deals with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and Armani. These partnerships, appearances, and licensing income contributed to $90 million of his earnings in 2023.

In addition to endorsements, Ronaldo has ventured into his business endeavors, most notably his CR7 brand. The CR7 line includes clothing, footwear, and fragrances, reflecting Ronaldo’s personal style and interest in fashion. This brand and other business activities showcase Ronaldo’s insight as an athlete, a savvy entrepreneur, and a branding genius.

Ronaldo’s business ventures extend beyond fashion. He has also invested in the hospitality industry, launching hotels under the CR7 brand. These luxurious accommodations cater to travelers worldwide, further expanding Ronaldo’s business empire.

Social Media Maven: Online Influence

Cristiano Ronaldo’s social media influence is a force to be reckoned with. With a following of 262 million fans across various platforms, he stands as the most followed person in Facebook history. His reach extends far beyond the pitch, connecting with fans and consumers in a way traditional advertising channels can’t match.

Nike recognized the value of Ronaldo’s online presence when they signed a lifetime contract with him worth $1 billion. This partnership isn’t just about promoting sportswear; it’s a strategic move that leverages Ronaldo’s massive social media following. A recent report indicates Ronaldo’s social media activities generated $474 million in value for Nike in just one year.

Legacy and Influence: The Ronaldo Effect

Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise from a small island in Portugal to soccer stardom is an inspiration. His hard work and determination have set a standard for aspiring athletes, showing greatness is achievable regardless of background.

Ronaldo’s influence goes beyond soccer. He’s a global brand, impacting his earnings and the clubs he’s played for. His presence on a team often translates to success, both on and off the field.

In soccer, Ronaldo’s impact is unmatched. His records and rivalry with Lionel Messi have defined modern soccer. His style of play has influenced a new generation, and his contributions will be remembered for years.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.