Cristiano Ronaldo worth €850m: Man Utd legend the greatest marketing phenomenon in history

Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth has been revealed to be a staggering €850 million, with the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend branded “the greatest marketing phenomenon in the history of world football”.

According to a study by IPAM (Portuguese Institute of Management and Marketing), the Cristiano Ronaldo brand will be worth nearly €1 billion by the end of the year.

This figure is drawn from estimates drawn from various spheres, including his personal income, the media, social networks, achievements, social influence and impact.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest marketing phenomenon in the history of world football. Talent, extensive training and repetition, extraordinary discipline combined with a unique strategic image positioning,” Fabio Wolff, managing partner of Wolff Sports and a sports marketing specialist, told Marca.

Ronaldo’s latest venture has seen him hook up with legendary British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, who is famous for his superhero movies. Indeed, two films are also being produced.

Where does Ronaldo’s money come from?

Ronaldo currently earns the biggest wage in football, with his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr worth a reported €200 million per year.

Although the Portugal legend no longer features at the top level of the game, he is still scoring regularly at that level and is chasing 1000 career goals.

Out of contract in the summer, the 40-year-old has reportedly been offered a new two-year deal by Al-Nassr, while he is also set to become a part-owner of the side.

On top of this, he earns €150m in advertising contracts from brands such as Nike, Tag Heuer and Louis Vuitton.

His social media presence is unparalleled, meanwhile. He is the most followed public figure in the world, with over 1 billion followers across his various platforms.

“Cristiano Ronaldo not only remains a legend on the pitch, but has also established a true empire off it. His ability to transform sporting success into a global phenomenon is a clear example of how today’s athletes can strategically and exponentially build and monetise their personal brands,” Bruno Brum, marketing director of End to End Agency, explained.

All this sends a clear message to Ronaldo’s critics: he is not going anywhere anytime soon.