Ronaldo receives a weekly salary that is not only high but also unprecedented in history. Cristiano Ronaldo receives an incredible €3.8 million every seven days from Al-Nassr as of January 2025. That means that before the long weekend even starts, about $4 million will have slipped into his account. That’s the equivalent of a lavish mansion every Monday morning, for comparison.
The scale becomes even more startling when the numbers are broken down. According to confirmed reports from Goal.com and Capology, Ronaldo makes close to €200 million a year, which equates to about €16.6 million per month. This translates to €96,153 per hour and €769,231 per day in wages. Interestingly, it now costs almost €1,600 for just one minute of Ronaldo’s time, which is far more than many people make in a week.
| Cristiano Ronaldo – Bio & Career Profile | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr FC (Saudi Pro League) |
| Position | Forward |
| Weekly Salary | €3.8 million ($4 million) |
| Annual Salary | €200 million ($210 million) |
| Past Clubs | Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus |
| International Career | Portugal National Team (2003–present) |
| Major Titles | 5× Ballon d’Or, 5× UEFA Champions League, Euro 2016 Champion |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | Over $600 million |
| Verified Source | Goal.com Salary Report |
More than just making headlines, Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr has caused a global reevaluation of what athletic value can be. This contract is not only profitable but also revolutionary in the world of football finance. Saudi Arabia has established itself as a major force in football as well as in culture and business by providing such a high salary.
According to reports, Lionel Messi, who is currently with Inter Miami, makes about $1.5 million a week. Although Kylian Mbappé makes a little more money, neither player can match Ronaldo’s weekly salary. Not only is that pay disparity large, it is also calculated. By acquiring Ronaldo, Al-Nassr made an investment in prestige, visibility, and a worldwide PR pipeline in addition to performance.
Ronaldo’s involvement in Saudi football becomes part of a much larger story when it is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative. Diversifying revenue streams, growing the entertainment industry, and rebranding Saudi Arabia internationally are the objectives of this national plan. Ever the astute businessman, Ronaldo is not just playing games; he is also contributing to the nation’s economic transformation.
Ronaldo has capitalized on his reputation as more than just a player by using strategic branding and meticulously chosen content. With the most followers of any person, his Instagram account has become a billboard that transcends digital boundaries. One opulent post at a time, every image posted from Riyadh quietly supports Saudi Arabia’s reimagined identity.
Comparisons have been making the rounds on the internet in recent months. It was best summed up in one tweet: it would take a public school teacher in the United States more than 75 years to earn the same amount of money as Ronaldo in a single week. It might take several months for CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. More than ten years for the best surgeons. Even though they are dramatic, these comparisons give his earnings a tangible and stimulating quality.
However, the appeal goes beyond money alone. Similar dramatic changes in the history of the sport, such as Pelé joining the New York Cosmos and Beckham joining Major League Soccer, are echoed by Ronaldo’s move. Every one of those choices had its detractors. However, every choice also sparked a cultural reinterpretation of the game in that area. Seeing Ronaldo play live is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many young fans in the Gulf, and it inspires them to aim higher.
Ronaldo is still incredibly fit and productive at 39. With more than 30 goals already scored in the 2024–25 campaign, he is demonstrating that age is a variable rather than a fixed factor. Even seasoned critics are still in awe of his physical conditioning, leadership on the field, and accuracy in front of goal.
When accounting for both his Al-Nassr contract and his CR7 empire, which includes fashion brands, fragrances, gyms, and endorsement deals, Forbes named Ronaldo the highest-paid athlete of 2024. He is considered a brand as much as a player, with an estimated annual income of over $260 million.
Furthermore, Ronaldo’s impact has increased rather than decreased, in contrast to many other athletes at this point. He is building a personal empire in addition to earning salaries. He plays a wide range of roles at Al-Nassr. He attracts attention on the field, helps recruit players, and even helps with more general branding initiatives. He’s acting like a CEO in cleats, and that’s no exaggeration.
