Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most sensational soccer players in the world and, therefore, boasts several sponsorship deals. Ronaldo’s lifetime contract with American brand Nike is among such endorsement deals.
Lionel Messi, on the other hand, holds a mind-boggling deal with German sportswear brand Adidas. The World Cup winner signed a lifetime deal with the German brand in 2017 after being their global ambassador since 2006.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the third Nike athlete after Lebron James and Michael Jordan to be offered a lifetime contract by the American brand. The player sealed the deal in 2016, with the contract reportedly being worth up to $1 billion.
Similarly, the Inter Miami star signed a lifetime contract with the German brand in 2017, which would see him earn around $1 billion by the end of his contract. Therefore, both players’ endorsement deals with their respective brands allow them similar earnings by the end of their lifetime.
Details about Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike Contract
The former Manchester United player earned around $88 million in his first year with the sportswear company. As per the reports, Ronaldo‘s contract with Nike allows him to take home around $24 million annually. Details about his deal with the sportswear brand were not disclosed.
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The soccer maestro is, however, believed to have the biggest contract offered by Nike as compared to LeBron James and Michael Jordan. He has released several cleats while collaborating with the sportswear brand and has featured in multiple advertisements for them.
Along with his contract deal with Nike, Ronaldo also holds endorsement deals with the likes of Armani, Tag Heuer, Egyptian Steel, Herbalife, and Italia Independent.
How much money does Lionel Messi earn with Adidas?
Lionel Messi had been an Adidas ambassador before his lifetime commitment to them. This played a very significant role in the German brand’s investment in the former Barcelona player’s incredible career. The player is often referred to as the face of Adidas and is the brand’s most famous athlete.
According to the deal with Adidas, Messi will wear the German sportswear boots for the rest of his professional career, and they will hold exclusive rights to use his image for any of their advertising campaigns.
The World Cup winner reportedly earns around $19.2 million annually from his current cleats contract. As per reports, the 36-year-old also earns a percentage from the sales of any Lionel Messi-branded products such as cleats, soccer jerseys, etc.
Moreover, his recent contract with the MLS side Inter Miami allows him to receive a portion of profits made from the sale of any MLS merchandise. With Adidas being the official kit partner of MLS, it allows the Argentine to earn a hefty amount from the German brand.