Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence goes far beyond football; he’s a global icon whose fame, fortune, and achievements make headlines year after year. In 2025, Forbes once again named him the World’s Highest-Paid Athlete, just as they did the year before.

Back in 2020, he was ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list, and in 2015, he made their 30 Under 30, Sports list. Today, Forbes estimates his net worth at $275 million (over ₹2,400 crore).

For years, Ronaldo was represented by “super-agent” Jorge Mendes, who managed many of his transfers and contracts. Mendes’ other famous clients include David de Gea, Jose Mourinho, and James Rodriguez. However, in late 2022, Ronaldo ended their professional partnership, with his move to Al-Nassr being handled by his close friend and personal manager, Ricky Regufe.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo became the first active team-sport athlete to earn over $1 billion in 2020. By February 2021, he was also the first person to reach 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now X). By May 2025, that number had grown to 939 million. On the pitch, he surpassed Pele’s record in 2021, reached 900 official career goals in 2024, and returned to Manchester United in 2021 before joining Al-Nassr in 2022.

Brand endorsements

Much of Ronaldo’s wealth comes from sponsorships. His biggest is a lifetime deal with Nike worth about $1 billion.He’s also partnered with Herbalife, Clear Shampoo, Tag Heuer, American Tourister, DAZN, Binance, Jacob & Co, Louis Vuitton, ZujuGP, UFL, MTG, WHOOP, and in 2025, he became Global Brand Ambassador for the Esports World Cup.

Business ventures

His CR7 brand began in 2013 with clothing, later expanding to footwear, eyewear, and fragrances. In 2016, he launched Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels in Madeira and Lisbon, later adding locations in Madrid and Marrakech. His CR7 Fitness by Crunch gyms promote health and fitness in Portugal and Spain.

Real estate

Ronaldo owns luxury homesaround the world. He bought a $18.5 million New York penthouse in 2015, later listing it for $7 million. His Marbella villa has a private cinema and infinity pool, while his Madrid mansion in La Finca offers top-tier privacy. In Portugal, he’s building a lavish Quinta da Marinha estate expected to be worth €28 million (₹285 crore). In Madeira, he converted a warehouse into a seven-storey palace overlooking the Atlantic, worth over €9.7 million (₹99 crore).

From breaking sports records to building a global business empire, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that he’s more than just a footballer; he’s a brand, a billionaire, and a living legend.