Cristiano Ronaldo, football’s first billionaire, and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez have reportedly invested in ultra-luxury real estate in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea project, British media has revealed.
According to the Daily Mail, the high-profile couple has purchased exclusive villas at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve developed by Red Sea Global. The secluded island resort is located around 26 kilometres off Saudi Arabia’s mainland and is accessible only via chartered boat or seaplane, offering maximum privacy and exclusivity. Ronaldo and Rodriguez are said to be among the first buyers in the elite development.
Each villa at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences is priced from SAR15.5 million (approximately £3.1 million). The project comprises just 19 ultra-private villas, designed to provide bespoke hospitality services amid untouched natural landscapes, turquoise waters, and coral reefs.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Portuguese football superstar said that both he and Georgina felt an immediate bond with the destination. “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,” Ronaldo said. He added that owning a home there would allow them to spend quality family time “in complete privacy and serenity.”
Ronaldo’s property purchase comes amid continued revelations about his extraordinary wealth. A previous Bloomberg report disclosed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, alongside a decade-long Nike endorsement deal worth nearly $18 million per year. His partnerships with global brands such as Armani and Castrol have contributed over $175 million to his fortune.
Following his move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo became the highest-paid footballer in history, reportedly earning £177 million ($237.5 million) annually, including bonuses and a reported 15% ownership stake in the club.
Ronaldo’s billionaire status places him among a select group of sporting legends, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer. Despite his immense financial success, the 39-year-old has made it clear that retirement is not yet on his agenda, as he continues to compete at the highest level of professional football.