Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: A Football Icon and €850M Global Brand
Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just a football legend—he’s a brand powerhouse. As he celebrates his 40th birthday, the Portuguese superstar continues to dominate both on and off the field. While chasing the incredible milestone of 1,000 career goals with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, his personal brand has soared to a record valuation of €850 million in 2025, according to a study by IPAM.
The study, based on the Sports Reputation Index, evaluates Ronaldo’s brand strength across six key factors: earnings, media presence, social media impact, achievements, influence, and overall reach. His brand has skyrocketed from just €24.5 million in 2011, marking a staggering 325% rise since 2020.
Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond football. He reportedly earns €200 million annually from his Al Nassr contract, along with an additional €150 million from sponsorship deals with global giants like Nike, Tag Heuer, and Louis Vuitton. On social media, he reigns supreme as the most-followed person in the world, boasting over 1 billion followers across platforms, including 649 million on Instagram and 114.7 million on X (formerly Twitter).
His impact in media is unmatched—every year, he generates over 22.3 million news articles worldwide, 187 million Google searches, and is mentioned in thousands of books and academic articles.
Ronaldo himself is never shy about his legacy. "I am the greatest scorer in history," he recently stated. With his unmatched skill, athleticism, and marketability, CR7 isn’t just a footballer—he’s a global phenomenon redefining sports branding.