Nike has a lifetime partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. The relationship began when Ronaldo was a teenage footballer and continued through his rise from Sporting CP to global superstardom.
Ronaldo originally wore Nike boots and became one of the brand’s most visible football ambassadors. His signature Mercurial boots have been closely associated with his speed, scoring ability and CR7 branding. In 2016, reports said Ronaldo had agreed to a lifetime contract with Nike, placing him in the same rare commercial category as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
The partnership is often confused with Ronaldo’s club-kit history. He played for clubs whose teamwear agreements involved other brands, but that did not change his personal boot and endorsement relationship with Nike. Adidas, Puma and Reebok have all sponsored major footballers, yet none is the brand linked to Ronaldo’s reported lifetime deal.
Nike’s partnership is separate from Ronaldo’s other commercial ventures, including his CR7 clothing, underwear, fragrance and hospitality businesses.