Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend, is not only celebrated for his on-field brilliance but also recognized for his significant impact on the clubs he represents. While debates comparing Ronaldo to Lionel Messi persist, there is a unanimous acknowledgment of Ronaldo’s unmatched discipline and professional standards.
During the 2020-2021 season, Andrea Pirlo, the former coach of Juventus, had the privilege of coaching Ronaldo. In his three-year stint at Juventus (2018-2021), Ronaldo played a pivotal role in elevating the club’s reputation and expanding its global fan base. Forbes reports that Juve’s social media following doubled from 50 million to an impressive 113 million followers during Ronaldo’s tenure.
Despite not securing a UEFA Champions League title, Ronaldo led Juventus to two Serie A league titles in three seasons. Pirlo, speaking about his coaching experience with Ronaldo, highlighted the Portuguese star’s exemplary professionalism in various aspects, including diet, recovery, and training.
Ronaldo’s impact extended beyond the pitch, contributing significantly to Juventus’ revenue growth. In his first season, the club’s revenue increased by €58 million ($68.4 million) from sources such as the stadium, commercial deals, and merchandising. Ronaldo’s presence also led to a remarkable surge in shirt sales, with Juventus selling 1 million shirts in the 2018/19 season, more than double the previous year.
Moreover, existing sponsorship deals with Jeep and Adidas were renegotiated during Ronaldo’s second season, with Jeep’s sponsorship rising from $20 million to $49.5 million and Adidas’ from $27 million to $60 million. Ronaldo’s ability to enhance the club’s financial standing underscores his status not only as a football icon but also as a valuable asset contributing to overall success both on and off the field.
