Cristiano Ronaldo has solidified his status as football's wealthiest star with a major new property acquisition in Saudi Arabia. The global icon, alongside his fiancée Georgina Rodríguez, has purchased two luxury villas on the kingdom's exclusive west coast, the Daily Mail can reveal.
An Exclusive Island Retreat
This significant investment follows the recent news that the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has been declared the sport's first billionaire, with a staggering net worth calculated at £1.04 billion. The couple's new properties are situated at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, located nearly 26km from the Saudi mainland.
The destination is renowned for its privacy and seclusion, accessible only by chartered boat or seaplane. Drawn to this exclusivity, Ronaldo and Rodríguez were among the first buyers at the ultra-private development, which features just 19 villas.
Two Villas for Family and Privacy
They have acquired two distinct residences: a three-bedroom villa intended for family gatherings and a two-bedroom villa for more intimate getaways. While the starting price for villas at Nujuma is SAR 15.5 million (£3.1 million), the exact sum paid by the football legend for his two properties remains undisclosed.
Ronaldo expressed his connection to the location, stating: ‘From the moment we first visited, Georgina and I felt a connection with the island and its natural beauty. Now we have a home here, we can enjoy quality time with family in complete privacy and serenity any time we like.’
Building a Billionaire's Portfolio
The property purchase is just one facet of Ronaldo's expansive financial portfolio. According to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, his move to Saudi Arabia has been a primary driver in catapulting him to the top of sports earners, significantly eclipsing the wealth of long-time rival Lionel Messi.
His income streams are vast and include:
- A reported £745 million lifetime deal with Nike.
- Lucrative partnerships with brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, and Louis Vuitton.
- His remarkable Saudi salary, estimated at £300 per minute.
Alongside the Saudi investment, Ronaldo is also developing a £28 million complex in Portugal and recently upgraded to a £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet. The couple, who are parents to daughters Alana, seven, and Bella, two, plan to spend considerable time at their new island retreat with their entire family.