Cristiano Ronaldo is just as impressive off the field as he is on it. On the pitch, he continues to score regularly, with the “dreamland” of his 1000th goal on the horizon. Right now, no one is in his way. Off the field, Ronaldo is also ahead of the pack, emerging as the biggest brand in the sports world.
This isn’t just talk; it has been confirmed by research from the Portuguese Institute of Administration and Marketing (IPAM). According to the study, Ronaldo’s brand value reached 850 million euros in 2025. IPAM reports that since 2020, the value of the Portuguese legend’s brand has increased by 325%.
Like many other athletes, Ronaldo is highly involved in business ventures. He has found success in hotels, lifestyle products (including underwear, shoes, and perfume), restaurants, hair clinics, gyms, fitness, and private jet services. Additionally, he is involved in a German watch brand and the production of porcelain and ceramics in Portugal. Recently, Ronaldo has expanded into the film industry, launching a film studio with renowned British director Matthew Vaughn. Two films are already in the pipeline.
The research was published before Ronaldo ventured into the film industry, and it was conducted using the “Sports Reputation Index,” which analyzed 28 factors across six areas: income, media presence, social media, sporting success, social influence, and expansion. In 2011, Ronaldo’s brand was valued at 2.45 million euros. Over the past 14 years, his performance both on and off the field has propelled his brand value towards the hundred-million mark.
According to IPAM, Ronaldo earns 20 million euros annually at Al Nassr. Beyond that, he makes an additional 15 million euros from endorsement deals with global brands like Nike, TAG Heuer, and Louis Vuitton. He also has the most followers on social media—over 1 billion—of which 648 million follow him on Instagram alone.
Cristiano Ronaldo is much more than just a footballer. His influence is reflected in excellence, innovation, and impact across various sectors of life. His market value is a reflection of his involvement in sports, media, and business, and it spans across generations.
IPAM’s executive director, Daniel Sa, explains, “Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a footballer. He reflects excellence, innovation, and impact across many aspects of life. His market value is the result of his connections to sports, media, and commerce, which have expanded over time.”
Ronaldo’s global influence can be seen in the following facts:
- Every year, 2.23 million reports are created about him in the media.
- He is searched 187 million times annually on Google.
- 4,000 books on Amazon mention him.
- He appears in 63,000 scientific articles.
With five Ballon d’Or titles, five Champions League trophies, and 31 overall trophies, Ronaldo’s football success is unmatched. As for his business ventures, his reach is ever-expanding. Having scored 931 goals for both club and country, the research conducted by IPAM further highlights the impact of Ronaldo’s brand. As Daniel Sa puts it, “Cristiano Ronaldo is more than just a footballer. He reflects excellence, innovation, and influence in many aspects of life. His market value is a result of his involvement in sports, media, and business, spanning generations.”
Three key factors for Ronaldo’s brand growth:
- 308% increase in salary
- 435% increase in sponsorship earnings
- 280% increase in social media followers since 2020
Since 2020, Ronaldo’s number of matches has increased by 51%, and his goals scored have risen by 60%. IPAM believes that Ronaldo’s brand value will continue to rise in the coming years.
This will depend on the renewal of his contract with Al Nassr, his participation in the 2026 World Cup, and the expansion of his business ventures. As an athlete, sponsor, influencer, and investor, Ronaldo is truly a “global icon,” whose influence extends far beyond the field and into everyday life.
