The most followed Instagram account, two-time highest-paid athlete of the year and the most followed person on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo, is a five-time Ballon D’Or winner and has been at the top of world football for well over a decade now. In 2021, he reportedly earned AUD$165 million. This ranges from his football salary to endorsements and sponsorships and includes a lifetime $1 billion+ deal with Nike and his CR7 brand, including underwear, hotels, and gyms.
Ronaldo was the first person to reach a combined total of 500 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. His influence is unmatched, and that’s evident, given his famous celebration now roared from worldwide stadiums to the local under 6s down the road.
It goes without saying that a man with such talent, looks and power has the money to match. In 2020, he surpassed total career earnings of $1 billion, and as of January 2022, his net worth is estimated to be around $550 million.
In 2020, he earned approximately $117 million overall, which equated to a weekly wage of $2.25 million — $320,000 daily and $13,000 hourly. Upon his return to Manchester United, CR7 signed a contract that would see him earn approximately $50 million per season. Add to this his lucrative endorsement contracts with Herbalife, Armani, Clear Shampoo, Unilever and Nike, and he is doing rather well for himself.
Cristiano has many accolades to his name, and one of them is the king of social media. He holds the record for most combined followers on the big 3 (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and is the first person to reach 300 million Instagram followers.
With such an influence, you can expect to fork out a pretty penny for Ronaldo to publicly endorse or advertise a product/service. The likes of Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Dwayne Johnson, Kylie Jenner charge approx. $1 million per post, but at the top of the list is CR7 who charges a cool $1.6 million.
With multiple income streams, it’s hard to see Ronaldo spending more than he earns. However, he loves to splash out on some fancy motors. On top of the many Rolls Royces, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, Ronaldo is rumoured to be the owner of the 1-of-1, custom manufactured, Bugatti La Voiture Noire that is to date the most expensive brand new car sale ever, worth around AUD$17.5 million.
At 36, many are wondering when Cristiano will announce his retirement, leaving a legacy like no other in the game. However, Ronaldo has been quoted saying he estimates he will retire at 41 due to genetically feeling like a 23-year-old. The man is an athlete through and through. When he does decide to retire, we’re confident he will be financially sound.