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What Is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima Net Worth’ Net Worth
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, “R9,” or “O Fenomeno” (The Phenomenon), boasts a substantial net worth of $160 million. This impressive figure reflects his successful career as a Brazilian football player and his shrewd ventures beyond the pitch. His financial success is built on earnings from professional football contracts, lucrative endorsements, and strategic investments in sports and business.
Ronaldo’s Football Career and Earnings
Ronaldo’s professional career began with Cruzeiro in 1993, where, as a 16-year-old, he quickly gained attention, scoring 44 goals in 47 games. This early success paved the way for his international transfer to PSV Eindhoven. Although specific salary details from his time at Cruzeiro are not publicly available, his performance secured him a place in the 1994 Brazilian World Cup squad.
At PSV Eindhoven, Ronaldo continued to excel, scoring 30 goals in his first season. His transfer to Barcelona in 1996 marked a significant milestone, with a then-world-record fee of $19.5 million. During his single season with Barcelona, he scored an impressive 47 goals across all competitions, leading to his first FIFA World Player of the Year Award. The $19.5 million transfer fee highlights the substantial financial investment clubs were willing to make for his talent.
In 1997, Ronaldo moved to Inter Milan for another world-record fee of $27 million. While at Inter Milan, he adapted to the Italian style of play and developed into a more complete striker, winning his first Ballon d’Or. Although exact salary figures for his Inter Milan contract are not publicly available, the record transfer fee suggests a highly lucrative deal. His performance in the 1998 FIFA World Cup further solidified his status as one of the world’s best players, despite Brazil’s loss in the final.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2002 for 46 million Euros was another pivotal moment in his career. As part of Real Madrid’s “Galácticos,” he was a key player, though injuries and weight issues affected his time there. While specific salary details for his Real Madrid contract are not widely publicized, his status as a “Galáctico” indicates a substantial financial package. In 2007, he transferred to A.C. Milan for 8.05 million Euros, marking a later stage in his career with lower transfer fees due to recurring injuries.
His career concluded with Corinthians in Brazil, where he played until his retirement in 2011. Although details of his contract with Corinthians are less known, it represented a homecoming and the final chapter of his professional playing career. Over his career, Ronaldo scored 62 goals for Brazil, second only to Pelé, underscoring his remarkable goal-scoring record.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Ronaldo’s financial success extends beyond his football contracts, with lucrative endorsement deals significantly contributing to his $160 million net worth. One of his most prominent endorsements is with Nike. In 1996, he signed a 10-year contract and lifetime brand endorsement deal with Nike for $180 million. This deal included the creation of the Mercurial R9 soccer boot, which he wore at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The success of the Mercurial line has made it one of Nike’s most successful product lines, and Ronaldo’s involvement has solidified his financial partnership with Nike.
In addition to Nike, Ronaldo has appeared in commercials for Snickers and Pirelli. These endorsements leverage his global popularity, adding to his income stream. He also is a regular feature in EA’s “FIFA” video game franchise, which provides ongoing revenue through licensing agreements. Precise figures for these endorsements are not publicly disclosed but are substantial, given his international recognition.
Ronaldo has also ventured into club ownership, reflecting a strategic investment in the sports industry. In 2018, he purchased a controlling stake in the La Liga club Real Valladolid for approximately 30 million Euros, acquiring a 51% stake and becoming the majority owner. This acquisition highlights his business acumen and investment strategy. In December 2021, he purchased a controlling stake in Cruzeiro, his boyhood club, for 400 million reais (approximately $70 million at the time). These investments indicate his commitment to the sport and his ability to leverage his wealth to influence football at an ownership level.
Property, Assets, and Personal Life
While specific details of Ronaldo’s property and assets are not widely publicized, it is expected that he possesses a diverse portfolio of real estate, vehicles, and other investments, in line with his high net worth. Celebrities of Ronaldo’s status typically own luxury properties in various locations around the world, though precise addresses and values are not typically disclosed.
Ronaldo’s personal life has been well-documented. He met Brazilian model and actress Susana Werner in 1997, and the couple lived together in Milan until 1999. In December 1999, he married Brazilian footballer Milene Domingues, who was pregnant with his first son, and they divorced four years later. In 2005, Ronaldo became engaged to Brazilian model Daniela Cicarelli, but the relationship lasted only three months. In 2008, he got engaged to Maria Beatriz Antony, and they had two daughters together. In December 2010, a paternity test confirmed that Ronaldo was the father of a boy named Alexander, who was born after a brief relationship with a Brazilian waitress named Michele Umezu. Ronaldo first met Umezu in Tokyo in 2002. After confirmation of a fourth child, Ronaldo had a vasectomy. While these personal details do not directly affect his net worth, they provide context to his life and decisions, which in turn can influence his career and financial endeavors.
