How Cristiano Ronaldo spends his million-dollar fortune

SINGAPORE - Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronald is a father, boyfriend to a swimsuit model and millionaire - all before the age of 30.

Ronaldo is a forward player for the Spanish club Real Madrid and recently captained the Portugal national team at the World Cup held in Brazil.

Other than his superb skills on the field, the good-looking star also earns big bucks through his endorsement deals having represented top luxury fashion brands such as Jacob & Co. and Emporio Armani. He was also featured on the cover of Vogue Spain nude, accompanied with his girlfriend and model Irina Shayk in the June issue.

With a mega pay cheque and a notable side income from endorsements, it is no surprise Forbes has listed Ronaldo as the second richest athlete at the moment with an estimated earnings of US$80 million (S$100 million), as at June 2014.

His salary alone stands at US$52 million a year, said Forbes, and his endorsements rewarded him with US$28 million.

Ronaldo previously played for England's Manchester United before being scouted by Real Madrid. The Spanish football club rewarded him with a record-breaking 5-year contract worth more than US$200 million, said Forbes.

This means the 29-year-old will be getting approximately US$23 million per year until 2018, according to Business Insider.

With a fat pay cheque every month, the young star reportedly lives a lavish millionaire lifestyle with his family and friends.

According to Business Insider, Ronaldo flies in a private plane whenever he needs to travel.

He also reportedly owns a Bentley, Porsche, and Mercedes, among other cars - including a US$300,000 Lamborghini Aventador.

In 2009, he lost his US$320,000 Ferrari when he crashed it while he was in Manchester.

Home for him is a US$7 million villa in La Finca, an exclusive community in Madrid which was built by famed architect Joaquin Torres.

Thanks to his endorsements, Ronaldo is seen to be enjoying the brands he advertises such as Emporio Armani, Herbalife, Castrol and Komani, said Business Insider.

The suave star was seen wearing a US$160,000 Jacob & Co. luxury watch, which has a sponsorship deal with him.

With his good looks, fame and fortune, it is no surprise that Ronaldo gets many haters.

The self-assured star is not fazed by the negativity. In an interview with Guardian in 2011, he does not have other explanation for being booed other than "because I am rich and handsome".

Despite his image as a big spender, Ronaldo has been involved in many charitable organisations. Other than donating money, Ronaldo also takes time out of his schedule to make public appearances.

In 2013, he made a surprise appearance to Crest Secondary School in Singapore with his girlfriend, Irina Shayk, and played football with the students. He was in town to support the Singapore Olympic Foundation-Peter Lim Scholarship, which supports needy young athletes, reported The Straits Times.

Cristiano Ronaldo also donates blood very often, he told Diretta News. As such, he does not get inked with any tattoos as it can hamper his eligibility as a donor.

According to News.com.au, Ronaldo donates blood twice a year and is also a bone marrow donor. He reportedly signed up to be one after seeing the struggles of a team mate's child.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg