A little over ten years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was hesitant to think about life after football. Friends warned him about the dangers of not planning for retirement. They suggested that without a backup, he might struggle once his playing days ended. He took this advice to heart and started exploring business opportunities. This also allowed him to focus on projects that his family cared about.
His first venture came in 2016 when he teamed up with a hotel group to launch a property in Madeira. This marked the start of a new chapter. Ronaldo didn’t just invest his money; he grew to enjoy the business side. He found excitement in meetings and strategy, similar to his passion for football.
While he still dreamed of making a Hollywood film, he discovered a fulfilling challenge in building companies—much like his dedication to training for soccer. On the field, that hard work made him the top scorer in history after age 30, while off the field, it shaped his new career.
According to Forbes’ 2025 ranking, Ronaldo earned about £210 million from both sports and business, with over £50 million coming from non-football ventures. His business interests are quite varied. He has stakes in a water brand, a health app, and recovery products. He also promotes underwear, fragrances, and footwear.
His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to:
- Partner with leading brands.
- Open gyms in Portugal and Spain.
- Launch a watch collection.
His portfolio keeps growing.
He co-founded a hair-transplant clinic that’s now in Spain, Portugal, Oman, and Italy. One notable client was his mother, Dolores Aveiro. What started with a hotel in Funchal has expanded into a joint venture valued at over £65 million, with properties in cities like Lisbon, Madrid, New York, and Marrakech.
Recently, at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo remarked that if he owned a football club, he’d fix the structural issues he’s noticed in some major teams. Now, with a 25% stake in Almeria, a club owned by Al Khereiji, he’s integrating his football career with his business acumen.
Ronaldo’s journey illustrates that while football may fade, passion and purpose can thrive in new ways. As he builds his empire, he continues to inspire millions.
