Cristiano Ronaldo plans UK expansion of hotel and bar empire
Cristiano Ronaldo is plotting a sensational return to British business with plans to bring his booming hotel and bar empire to the UK once he finally hangs up his boots, reports BritPanorama.
The Manchester United icon, now 41 and still starring for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, is said to be laying the groundwork for a major expansion of his CR7 branded leisure ventures.
Sources close to the Portuguese superstar have told The Sun that Britain is firmly on his radar as he looks to cement his legacy beyond football. Ronaldo teamed up with Portuguese hospitality giant Pestana in 2016 to launch a chain of Ronaldo-themed hotels and bars.
The partnership operates under the Inverse by Pestana CR7 banner across Portugal and has now moved to register its trademark in the United Kingdom, fuelling speculation that venues could soon open on British soil. An insider indicated Ronaldo sees the UK as ideal ground, noting, “Cristiano makes smart business decisions. Other footballers have shown there is a strong market. He has the funds and the global image to dominate it.”
Ronaldo remains adored in Manchester despite his turbulent second spell at Old Trafford, which lasted just 18 months. The city, where he first became a global superstar, is viewed as a natural landing spot should he decide to launch a flagship bar or hotel in the North West. Former teammate Gary Neville has already proved the concept works, running Hotel Football in the shadow of United’s stadium.
While Ronaldo has not confirmed when he will retire, those around him believe his increasingly aggressive commercial strategy suggests he is preparing for life after football. With an estimated fortune that already stretches into the hundreds of millions, he continues to diversify his portfolio across fashion, fitness, and hospitality.
The business manoeuvring comes amid fresh drama in Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo recently ended a brief but explosive standoff with Al-Nassr. He missed two Saudi Pro League matches and an Asian Champions League fixture amid concerns about how the club was being run. After talks and reassurances, Ronaldo is set to return for Saturday’s league clash with Al-Fateh, having posted on social media images captioned “locked in.”
Al-Nassr can climb to second in the table with a victory and move within one point of leaders Al-Hilal. Officials had grown increasingly concerned that Ronaldo’s absence was damaging the image of the league and, by extension, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project. Ronaldo is believed to have been frustrated by what he perceives as uneven financial backing compared to rivals Al-Hilal, which has strengthened this season.
Despite reportedly earning around £500,000 per day, Ronaldo still has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a £43m summer release clause. As the landscape of football business continues to evolve, Ronaldo’s next moves will not only impact his brand but also the competition in the burgeoning hospitality sector. This is a testament to the way sport and commerce intertwine, illustrating how even the most celebrated figures navigate the complexities of legacy and financial ambition.
