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March 16, 2025
Making plans before retirement is normal and Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly preparing every step with caution. One thing he has already confirmed however, is that we'll keep seeing him involved with the football industry...
It cannot be disputed: Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time. Currently, at 40, the icon continues to bely his age by playing high-level football for Al-Nassr and, of course, the Portugal national team. But, even legends have to move with the sands of time. Retirement is inevitable. And when that time will come is anyone’s guess. Just a few months ago, some of the biggest, safest and most secure betting apps for UK gamblers were offering 6/1 on Ronaldo’s imminent plans to hang up his boots. However, those odds have fluctuated as he continues to keep everyone guessing - proving that even those canny bookies struggle to predict his next move.
The big question, though, is: what does come next for CR7? Given his relentless drive, astute business acumen, and multi-billion dollar global brand, Ronaldo has several very promising (not to mention lucrative) options to ponder...
Cristiano Ronaldo - Best goals and skills
Many football icons choose a shrewd transition into coaching or management after retirement. Ronaldo’s experience and deep understanding of the game make him a very strong candidate for a managerial role. But, unlike his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who has expressed little interest in coaching, Ronaldo has hinted at a potential future in football management.
Could we really see him lead Portugal or one of his former clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Sporting CP? While he certainly has the mentality of a winning footballer, coaching requires patience, tactical acumen, and a different type of leadership. If he does choose to step into management, he’ll face the tough challenge of proving himself way beyond his playing career.
Ronaldo is already a successful businessman, with ventures in fashion, hospitality, fitness, and even technology. His brand includes a clothing line, fragrances, and luxury hotels under the Pestana CR7 chain. As if that wasn’t enough, though; he has a big presence in fitness with CR7 Crunch Fitness gyms. Retirement would allow him to dedicate more time to these businesses - and possibly expand further into new areas like sports media or even owning a football club.
Ronaldo has charisma in spades, and coupled with his deep football knowledge, he could follow in the footsteps of former stars like Thierry Henry, Gary Neville, or Rio Ferdinand by becoming a successful football pundit. His insights (combined with his unique perspective as one of the sport’s biggest icons, no less) would make him a very highly sought-after analyst for major networks. Imagine him on the BBC, ESPN, or CBS Sports breaking down Champions League matches with us mere mortals hanging onto his every word.
Many footballers have successfully transitioned into different careers after retirement, and maybe Ronaldo will follow suit. Just look at David Beckham, for example, who built an empire with his business ventures and ownership stake in Inter Miami. Ronaldo could do the same by investing in a club, either in Portugal, Saudi Arabia, or, well, anywhere. When you’re this famous, the world is your oyster, remember. Another route could be taken from Michael Jordan’s playbook; focusing on business while maintaining a strong brand presence in sports.
Ronaldo is very well known for his charitable efforts. Over the years, he has donated literally millions to various causes, just some of which include hospitals, cancer research, and disaster relief efforts. He has funded life-saving medical treatments for sick children and regularly contributes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And an interesting fact: Ronaldo refuses to get tattoos to ensure he can frequently donate blood.
Retirement could allow Ronaldo to focus even more on philanthropy. He could follow the example of Didier Drogba, who has used his platform to make a difference in Africa.
Given Ronaldo's unpredictable nature, we can’t rule out a completely unexpected career path. Could he try his hand at acting, like Eric Cantona? Or step into politics, like George Weah, who became the president of Liberia? OK, so back to reality a little bit: while these options seem unlikely, Ronaldo does have the confidence alongside the global appeal to make pretty much any career shift work.
Ronaldo’s post-football earnings could - and likely will - be massive, potentially rivaling or even exceeding his playing career income. Based on current estimates, he could make $50 million to upward of $200 million per year (depending, of course, on how he decides to spend his post-playing days).
Here’s how: Ronaldo currently earns around $50 million annually from sponsorships and endorsements with brands like Nike, Herbalife, Binance, and others. This income could continue post-retirement, especially if he maintains his status as a global icon. Additionally, his CR7 business empire, which includes his clothing line, fragrances, hotels, and gyms, generates millions. If he ventures into new industries or launches his own sports brand, he could easily earn $100 million annually. Following in the footsteps of Beckham, Ronaldo could invest in a football club, profiting from sponsorship deals, TV rights, and merchandise sales, bringing in some more extra millions. And also with media and broadcasting opportunities, such as punditry, documentaries, and exclusive interviews, he could further add up to $20 million annually to his retirement pot. Not bad, eh?
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on March 20, against Denmark for the UEFA Nations League. You can watch Denmark vs Portugal, Liverpool vs Newcastle, Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona, Leicester City vs Manchester United, Arsenal vs Chelsea and Fulham vs Tottenham, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Portugal next game:
Denmark vs Portugal kick-off time (20-03-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:45
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:15
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:45
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:45
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 19:45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:45
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:45
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:45
Sources: ronaldo7.net / pestana.com / sportbible.com / unicef.org
