Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star, is planning for his future after football by investing over €37 million in hotels under the “CR7” brand in Portugal, Madrid, and New York.
“Many footballers end their careers unsure of their next steps. For me, it’s clear – I want to manage my brands,” Ronaldo stated.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner has partnered with the Pestana Hotel Group, also from Madeira, to launch “CR7” hotels in Funchal, Lisbon, Madrid, and New York, where he has been linked with Major League Soccer.
“At 30 years old, I still have many options and great support around me. I’m really very happy,” Ronaldo said, adding, “Other projects will come. I want my name to always be the best in any field I work in.”
Although Ronaldo hopes to play football for “another six, seven, or even ten years,” he rules out a coaching career. “I don’t see myself as a coach. It’s not my ambition,” he mentioned, but also acknowledged, “Who knows if I’ll change my mind!”
The first hotel will open in Madeira in summer 2016, followed by another in Lisbon, with a Madrid site planned for 2017. “My world is football, but life changes, and I’ve always wanted to own a hotel,” Ronaldo explained.
He emphasized that it was essential to partner with an expert group for such a significant project. “Pestana is the best Portuguese group in this business,” Ronaldo noted.
“The first project will be in Madeira, where our roots and families are,” said the 123-times capped international, adding that the hotel will be near the museum dedicated to his career that he funded in Funchal.
Founded in Madeira in 1972, Pestana is Portugal’s largest hotel group, with a presence in 16 countries across Europe, Africa, and America. The group operates 87 hotels, six golf courses, and two casinos, generating an annual turnover of €222 million.