Michel Platini retired from playing football at 32. Zinedine Zidane was 34. Yet, Cristiano Ronaldo, well into his 40th year, has signed the most lucrative contract in football history. How is this possible? There are actually several reasons why CR7 is set to earn roughly seven euros per second, or about 200 million euros annually (approximately 178 million pounds) in salary alone for the next two seasons.
Firstly, someone is willing to pay him. Al-Nassr, essentially the PIF fund, has decided that CR7 is a crucial brand asset to promote the Saudi Pro League product. They are therefore prepared to pamper him in every possible way to make him the official face of ambitious Saudi Arabian football.
There`s another reason too. In a football landscape somewhat short on global media superstars, the Portuguese player still possesses a remarkable aura. Every action he takes, no matter how insignificant, becomes news, which is incredibly convenient for those governing football in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, there`s a sporting element. Let`s not pretend otherwise: Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, is physically fitter than many players just over thirty. However, it`s clear that in his case, things are taken to extremes: a private jet for travel anywhere, anytime he wishes with the first five million in expenses covered by the club, 16 people at his service 24/7, and a thousand other benefits.
That is a tremendous amount for just one man. Indeed, for some time now, Cristiano Ronaldo hasn`t been “just a man.” We`re talking about a true brand, a highly prosperous business built on his exceptional ability to “construct a special story” for himself. CR7 knows how to create new goals to pursue constantly, from winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr (which would reportedly earn him another 10 million) to aspiring to play a leading role in the 2026 World Cup, and perhaps even the 2030 one.
The problem isn`t for the golden Portuguese star; it`s for everyone else. Think of all the other top players, perhaps in the prime of their careers, who “struggle” to earn an extra million. Cristiano Ronaldo makes a million in less than two days. Will there ever be another like CR7? It`s improbable, for the simple reason that this “lucky guy” knew how to build an empire one step at a time, never wasting time thinking about anything else. Cristiano Ronaldo is exactly where he wanted to be, and it matters little that he is 40. Age counts for nothing for the most dazzling player/brand in history; in fact, in some ways, it`s just another reason to keep pushing. There`s no need for envy; instead, one should study his journey “as an entrepreneur” because it is probably as important as his journey “as a footballer.”
