Cristiano Ronaldo buys luxury villas in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea project

Cristiano Ronaldo, football’s first billionaire, and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez have reportedly purchased luxury villas in Saudi Arabia’s flagship Red Sea development, according to British media.

The Daily Mail reported that the properties are located at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve developed by Red Sea Global, around 26 kilometres off the Saudi mainland. The exclusive destination is accessible only by chartered boat or seaplane, offering maximum privacy. Ronaldo and Rodriguez are said to be among the first buyers of the ultra-luxury villas.

Each villa at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences is priced from SAR15.5 million (around £3.1 million). The development comprises only 19 ultra-private residences, featuring bespoke services and set amid untouched natural surroundings.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo said that both he and Georgina felt an immediate connection to the island. “From the moment we first visited, Georgina and I felt a connection with the island and its natural beauty – it’s a place where we feel at peace,” he said.

He added that owning a home there would allow the family to spend quality time together in complete privacy and serenity.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, in addition to a decade-long Nike endorsement deal worth nearly $18 million per year. His partnerships with global brands such as Armani and Castrol have added over $175 million to his wealth.

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Ronaldo’s move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2023 made him the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual salary of £177 million ($237.5 million), along with bonuses and a reported 15% ownership stake in the club.

His billionaire status places him among an elite group of athletes that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer. Despite his financial success, Ronaldo has indicated that retirement is not on his immediate agenda.