The Price of Football Royalty: How Much Does It Cost to Hire Ronaldo and Messi?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are universally recognized as two of the greatest football players ever to grace the field. Their names are synonymous with skill, records, and global stardom. But beyond their achievements on the pitch, both Ronaldo, aged 40, and Messi, 37, (ages as described in source) have built empires. Together, they hold an astounding 13 Ballon d’Or awards, cementing their legendary status. This unparalleled talent has translated into immense financial success, not just from their football contracts, but also from lucrative commercial endorsements and business ventures.
Ronaldo’s current weekly wage at Al Nassr is reportedly a staggering £3.18 million, contributing to a net worth estimated to exceed £200 million. Messi, playing for MLS side Inter Miami, earns a base salary of $12 million, with total compensation reaching $20.4 million. Their off-field earnings are equally impressive, with Ronaldo owning the popular ‘CR7’ clothing brand and Messi investing in numerous properties.
But what if you wanted more than just to watch them play? What if you dreamed of having these icons at your event or as part of your brand campaign? The reality is, hiring Ronaldo or Messi comes at a significant cost. Let’s delve into the world of celebrity appearance fees and discover just how much it would take to secure the services of these footballing titans.
Breaking Down the Costs: Ronaldo vs. Messi Appearance Fees
While the exact current appearance and endorsement fees for Ronaldo and Messi are likely fluid and depend on numerous factors like event type, duration, and location, we can look at past deals to understand the scale of investment required.
- Ronaldo’s Social Media Power: Around a decade ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was hired to promote the Sportlobster app. Harry Hugo, who managed social media for Sportlobster at the time, revealed the investment was around £250,000 for approximately 30-40 social media posts over a year. This digital-only deal focused on Ronaldo’s social media output, aiming to drive app downloads through dedicated posts with download links.
- TV and Photoshoot Appearances: More recently, it has been reported that Ronaldo’s fee for a TV photoshoot appearance, or even a single social media post, can reach £1 million. This demonstrates a significant increase in his value over time, reflecting his continued global influence and expanding reach.
- Ronaldo’s Time is Precious (and Pricey): The book “Football Leaks” detailed an instance where Ronaldo and his representatives charged a Saudi telecoms company £920,000 for just four and a half hours of his time. This highlights the premium associated with access to Ronaldo, even for relatively short engagements.
- Messi’s Appearance Costs: For those considering Lionel Messi, Seattle Talent Buying, a celebrity booking agency, lists his appearance fee for private or ticketed events ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. It’s important to note that these figures are starting prices and may not include additional costs like private security, travel, and accommodation, which are often standard requirements for high-profile celebrity appearances.
It’s crucial to remember that these figures are indicative and likely subject to change. The market for celebrity endorsements and appearances is dynamic, influenced by factors such as current form, popularity, and the specific demands of the engagement. Today’s rates for both Messi and Ronaldo are almost certainly higher than these historical examples.
Hiring Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is undoubtedly a significant financial undertaking, a testament to their global brand power and unparalleled influence. For brands and events seeking maximum impact and worldwide attention, the investment might be worthwhile.
Want to explore celebrity endorsements for your brand or event? Contact a celebrity booking agency to discuss options and pricing for sports icons and beyond.