Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star valued at approximately $1 billion, recently attended a State Banquet at the White House. This high-profile appearance could potentially increase his brand value by an estimated $100 million (£76.5 million) in the United States, according to financial expert Professor Rob Wilson.
Ronaldo’s illustrious career has taken him across notable clubs including Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr. His recent venture into the political arena is seen as a strategic move to enhance his brand recognition. Professor Wilson, who serves as the Director of Executive Education at the University Campus of Football Business, emphasized the significance of Ronaldo’s White House visit.
“Ronaldo already operates as a billion-dollar global asset,” Professor Wilson stated in an interview with Vegas Insider. “But that White House moment will add political relevance and some hugely important US visibility which are powerful brand signals.” He noted that Donald Trump’s endorsement of Ronaldo as a family favorite humanizes the athlete’s public image, expanding his appeal to potential sponsors.
Wilson projected that the media exposure from the event would yield significant financial benefits, estimating the earned media impact to be within the mid-eight-figure range. He further predicted that Ronaldo’s endorsement earnings in the US could approach $100 million (£76.5 million) as a result of this newfound visibility. Currently, Ronaldo reportedly generates over $60 million (£45.9 million) annually from endorsements.
Ronaldo’s branding strategy parallels that of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, who has also taken significant steps to elevate his profile in the US. Professor Wilson pointed out that Messi’s participation in high-level business forums, including a recent appearance alongside Donald Trump, has helped position him as a national economic ambassador.
“Messi’s brand is already approaching $1 billion (£765 million) in value,” Wilson added. He highlighted that Messi’s presence in the business sector has led to Inter Miami’s revenue doubling and its valuation surpassing $1 billion (£765 million).
While David Beckham is often celebrated for building a lifestyle empire, Wilson noted that both Messi and Ronaldo hold larger global platforms. Each athlete has the potential to establish themselves as long-term institutional brands, with Ronaldo focusing on luxury fitness and Messi serving as a bridge across the Americas and the global football economy.
Ronaldo made headlines earlier this year when he became the first active footballer to reach billionaire status. His lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly worth over $400 million (£306 million). Currently, his estimated net worth stands at around $1.4 billion (£1 billion), significantly surpassing David Beckham’s estimated $500 million net worth and Messi’s reported fortune of $850 million (£650 million).
As Ronaldo continues to expand his brand through strategic appearances and endorsements, his visit to the White House marks a notable step in his journey to surpass the commercial footprints of both Beckham and Messi.
