Cristiano Ronaldo: Hire the Football Icon – For a Price
Cristiano Ronaldo, the name synonymous with footballing greatness, isn’t just a player; he’s a global brand. According to Football Leaks, companies can “hire” Ronaldo for promotional activities, but securing his services comes at a truly staggering cost.
The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr at the age of 40, built his legendary career at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, including Sporting CP, Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He has also been a pivotal figure for the Portugal national team. His on-field achievements are unparalleled, but his influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Off the field, Cristiano Ronaldo is a marketing juggernaut. He boasts an astounding following of over 650 million on Instagram, making him the most followed individual on the platform. This immense popularity translates directly into lucrative brand partnerships and endorsements, supplementing his already substantial £167.9 million annual salary from Al-Nassr.
Beyond his club salary and standard endorsements, Ronaldo possesses another significant revenue stream: his availability for hire for specific commercial engagements.
The book “Football Leaks” by Der Spiegel journalists Rafael Buschmann and Michael Wulzinger, revealed eye-opening details about the costs associated with hiring this five-time Ballon d’Or winner for promotional activities. This provides a unique insight into the world of celebrity endorsements and the premium commanded by top athletes.
The book detailed a deal between Mobily, a Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, and Multisports & Image Management, Ronaldo’s Irish image rights company. For a hefty fee, Mobily secured four and a half hours of Ronaldo’s time. This package included:
- A dedicated photoshoot session
- Five signed Cristiano Ronaldo shirts
- Two promotional “plugs” across Ronaldo’s social media channels
Considering that a single sponsored post from Ronaldo can reportedly generate around £1.6 million in earnings, the value of these social media mentions is immense. This highlights the power of influencer marketing and celebrity endorsements in today’s digital age.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best footballers of all time (Credit:Getty)
While Mobily gained the right to use images from the photoshoot, the advertising campaign had regional limitations, focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. This geographic restriction may have influenced the pricing structure of the deal.
The price tag for this four-and-a-half-hour package? A staggering £920,000. This figure underscores the immense commercial value brands place on Cristiano Ronaldo’s image and global reach.
Let’s break down that cost:
- Hourly Rate: £204,000 per hour
- Minute Rate: £3,407 per minute
- Second Rate: £56.78 per second
It’s important to note that these figures are based on the 2018 Football Leaks book. Seven years later, and with Ronaldo’s global brand only intensifying, these figures are likely to be significantly higher in today’s market. The price to hire Cristiano Ronaldo for endorsements and marketing campaigns undoubtedly reflects his continued dominance and expanding global appeal.
Ronaldo’s Legacy: Beyond the Price Tag
Despite his immense earnings, Ronaldo maintains that his move to Saudi Arabia in 2022 was motivated by more than just financial gain. He asserts his goal is to build a lasting legacy in the sport, even at this stage of his career.
“I came here to win, to make the league better,” Ronaldo stated in the Saudi Pro League: Kick Off documentary in 2024. “I want to leave a legacy. That’s what I want. They say I’m finished, that I’m only here for the money… I still feel the passion. They don’t believe it, but I’m here to win.”
Looking to elevate your brand with celebrity endorsements? Explore the power of partnering with global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo to reach new audiences and drive unparalleled brand awareness. Contact us today to discuss how celebrity collaborations can transform your marketing strategy.