Football star , the highest goal scorer in history, celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday. While he is still known for his success on the field,
Ronaldo has also become one of the strongest personal brands in global sports.
Alongside league titles, Ballon d’Or awards and Champions League wins, Ronaldo has created a business empire that is expected to remain strong even after his playing career ends.
His CR7 brand now covers clothing, shoes, perfumes, gyms and hotels.
These include CR7 gyms in Portugal and Spain, CR7 Pestana hotels in cities such as Madeira, Lisbon, Madrid, Marrakech and New York, and a fragrance line developed with Eden Parfums.
Ronaldo also dominates social media. In September 2025, he became the first person in the world to reach one billion followers across all platforms.
He has more than 670 million followers on Instagram alone, making him extremely valuable to sponsors.
Major global brands such as , Herbalife, Clear, Binance, Tag Heuer, Armani and Jacob & Co use his online reach to promote their products.
Late in his career, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabian club also brought huge financial rewards.
His contract extension in 2025 is worth about £492 million over two years and includes a 15% ownership stake in the club.
Sports business experts say Ronaldo’s approach building strong digital influence and real-world businesses while still playing has set an example for athletes around the world on how to secure life after sport.
