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June 12, 2025
From Madeira to the pinnacle of Forbes' highest-paid athletes list, again. Ronaldo's non-stop work ethic, smart choices, and global popularity still manage to stay ahead of the rest.
Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again. Amidst a world of footballing talent and multi-million-dollar contracts, CR7 has solidified his dominance, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. According to a recent report by The Playoffs, Ronaldo has led the pack of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2025. That's right, you heard that correctly. At 40 years old, he's still out-earning the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Karim Benzema. But how has he managed to stay on top when there are younger stars snapping at his heels? In the Playoff article, it's clear that Ronaldo's Al Nassr contract is a big part of his financial dominance. His playing contract alone, it's reported, is worth over $200 million a year when bonuses and image rights are factored in. This is the kind of contract that is not usual, even in a world where sports betting sponsorships and oil-backed sponsorships are becoming more of the norm.
Cristiano Ronaldo - All 43 goals in 2024-25
Cristiano Ronaldo's journey to global superstardom did not start with champagne and private jets. It began on a small island called Madeira. Ronaldo was driven from a young age. Those who knew him at that time will tell you: Not only was he talented, but he was obsessed with becoming the best.
Having signed with Sporting CP's youth academy, he made a reputation in no time, and at 18 was already wearing Manchester United red. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo evolved from a flashy winger to a clinical finisher. His record-breaking and career-changing move to Real Madrid followed in 2009 and also changed the game, not just his, but the sport's.
At Real, he won four Champions League titles and shattered goalscoring records that may never be bettered. His move to Juventus and then to Manchester United (again), and then his contentious but lucrative transfer to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, showed one character-defining trait: Ronaldo never stays still.
So, how does Ronaldo keep on winning, even when most thought his best years were already behind him? To begin with, his brand power is unmatched. CR7 is not a name, it's a global empire. He's turned his image into a powerhouse that spans fashion, fitness, hospitality and endorsements. And with over 600 million followers on Instagram alone, he offers sponsors unparallelled exposure.
His 2025 earnings alone were a whopping $275 million according to the Playoff, the overwhelming majority of which was off-field. That includes deals with Nike, Herbalife and his own CR7 brand. It's also notable that his presence in Saudi Arabia has also opened the floodgates for a whole raft of commercial opportunities, with the region investing heavily in sport and entertainment.
Another reason he's still at the top? The man trains like a machine. There are plenty of talented footballers, but not many have Ronaldo's discipline. Even now, he's typically the first to arrive for training and the last to leave. His dedication to fitness is legendary, and it pays off, he's still performing at the highest level, scoring goals in the Saudi Pro League, and setting a good example for young players.
While other stars lose their shine with time, Ronaldo has managed to adapt his game. He no longer takes defenders on as he did during his younger days, but he has turned into a master of positioning, timing and finishing. He is always where he needs to be at the right time, and that is not by chance.
And then, of course, there are the fans. Ronaldo's army of fans is the world over, from Portugal to the Philippines, Manchester to Mumbai. His every move is followed, posted and applauded. On fan sites (this one included), forums and social media, the adoration for CR7 never dies out.
This loyalty translates to a huge effect on his market value. Brands know that an association with Ronaldo means instant exposure to millions of loyal followers. Whether it's a new shoe launch, a luxury hotel or even a cryptocurrency exchange, anything with the CR7 stamp on it instantly gains traction. It's no longer just about football. Ronaldo is a lifestyle, a business model and a marketing phenomenon.
It's quite difficult keeping up with all the records Ronaldo continues to break. This year alone, he became the first player ever to top the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes four times within a decade. Not to mention he's stretched his advantage as international football's all-time leading scorer.
The Saudi Pro League is not as competitive as La Liga or the Premier League, but don't get it wrong, Ronaldo still delivers with goals, assists and passion. And for Al Nassr, he's more than a player. He's a statement signing that put the entire league on the map.
Cristiano Ronaldo's ongoing stranglehold on football and finance is not just indicative of his talent, it's a testament to his mindset. He's not just playing the game, he's redefining what success in the modern game looks like.
As The Playoffs rightly points out, even as players like Messi, Benzema and Mbappé continue to dazzle, Ronaldo remains the king when it comes to the numbers. And while the world changes, one thing seems constant: Never bet against CR7.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on September 21, against Jeddah Club, for the King's Cup. You can watch Jeddah vs Al Nassr, PSG vs Atletico, Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC, Palmeiras vs FC Porto and Bayern Munich vs Auckland City, all matches provided from our live streaming game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Jeddah Club vs Al Nassr kick-off time (21-09-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 22:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 21:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 20:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 17:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 13:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / theplayoffs.news / forbes.com
