The debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time often features names like Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) and Diego Maradona. Both players have left indelible marks on the sport, but another intriguing aspect of their legacies is their financial success. Comparing their earnings can be contentious, given the different eras they played in and the evolution of football’s commercial landscape. However, it’s clear that Cristiano Ronaldo has earned significantly more money from football than Diego Maradona.
Firstly, Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has coincided with an era of unprecedented financial growth in football. The commercialization of the sport, driven by lucrative television deals, sponsorship agreements, and social media, has provided modern players with immense earning potential. Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of €94 million was a precursor to the astronomical salaries and endorsement deals that followed. His annual earnings have consistently placed him among the highest-paid athletes in the world. According to Forbes, Ronaldo earned $105 million in 2020 alone, with $60 million coming from salary and winnings and $45 million from endorsements.
Endorsements have played a significant role in Ronaldo’s financial success. His partnership with Nike, which includes a lifetime contract reportedly worth over $1 billion, is just one example. Ronaldo also endorses brands like Clear, Herbalife, and CR7, his own line of products including underwear, footwear, and fragrances. His social media presence, with hundreds of millions of followers, further amplifies his marketability, making him a highly attractive figure for brands looking to tap into his global fanbase.
In contrast, Diego Maradona’s career took place in a different economic context. Playing primarily in the 1980s and early 1990s, Maradona’s earning opportunities were limited compared to today’s standards. While he did command significant salaries, such as his transfer to Napoli in 1984 for a then-record fee of $10.48 million, the overall financial ecosystem of football was not as developed. Endorsements existed, but they were not as lucrative or widespread as they are today. Maradona’s off-field controversies also affected his marketability. His struggles with substance abuse, legal issues, and turbulent personal life deterred some sponsors, limiting his earning potential.
Moreover, the financial management of both players has differed significantly. Ronaldo has shown a keen sense for business, investing in various ventures and carefully managing his brand. His CR7 hotel chain, gyms, and other business ventures indicate a strategic approach to building wealth beyond his playing career. Maradona, on the other hand, faced numerous financial challenges. His disputes with tax authorities, particularly in Italy, and legal battles over unpaid taxes and earnings overshadowed his financial legacy.
The evolution of football’s financial structure also cannot be overlooked. The explosion of media rights deals, the rise of the Premier League as a global brand, and the advent of digital platforms have all contributed to the current financial boom in football. Players today benefit from a more interconnected and commercially viable sports ecosystem, something Maradona did not have access to during his prime.
In conclusion, while Diego Maradona was an iconic figure whose influence on football is immeasurable, Cristiano Ronaldo has undoubtedly earned more money from the sport. The differences in their earnings can be attributed to the era they played in, their marketability, and their financial management. Ronaldo’s ability to capitalize on the modern commercial landscape of football, coupled with his strategic endorsements and investments, has set him apart as not only one of the greatest players of all time but also one of the wealthiest. This financial success is a testament to how the sport has evolved and how players today are able to leverage their on-field success into substantial off-field wealth.