#soccerlegend

Christen Press, two-time World Cup champion for USWNT, to retire

Christen Press, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion for the US women’s national team (USWNT) and forward for Angel City FC, will retire following the conclusion of Angel City’s 2025 season.

“I’m retiring from professional soccer, and I’ve decided that this is my last season and my last few games,” Press told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially joined the ranks of the world’s wealthiest athletes, becoming football’s first billionaire at the age of 40, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Fans following every milestone on Sports Channel are witnessing the extraordinary story of a player whose impact on and off the pitch has transformed him into a global icon—not just in football but in business, branding, and culture.

From Madeira to Global Stardom

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, on the small island of Madeira, Portugal. From humble beginnings, Ronaldo’s talent was evident early, and his relentless work ethic, combined with natural ability, set him apart. By his teenage years, he had already caught the attention of scouts from Europe’s top clubs.

Ronaldo’s journey from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United in 2003 marked the beginning of his international stardom. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo honed his skills, combining blistering speed, technical prowess, and an unmatched drive to improve. Sports Channel analysts note that his early years in England laid the foundation not just for his sporting success but also for his later financial empire.

Real Madrid and the Rise of a Global Brand

Ronaldo’s 2009 move to Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of £80 million was transformative. At Madrid, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and collected numerous Ballon d’Or awards. His success on the pitch coincided with an explosion in his marketability.

Endorsements with global brands like Nike, Armani, and Castrol, coupled with savvy investments, turned Ronaldo into a global brand. According to Bloomberg, his decade-long Nike deal alone contributed nearly $18 million annually, while other endorsements added more than $175 million to his fortune. Sports Channel emphasizes that Ronaldo’s brand-building strategy—leveraging social media, personal image, and global recognition—has been just as precise as his goal-scoring on the pitch.

Al-Nassr and Record-Breaking Contracts

In 2023, Ronaldo signed with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, reportedly securing a contract worth over $400 million. The deal made him the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual salary of approximately £177 million ($237.52 million), plus bonuses and a reported 15% ownership stake in the club.

This move was not only financially groundbreaking but also symbolically powerful, signaling the shift of football’s economic influence to new regions. Sports Channel highlights that Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr tenure demonstrates his continued influence on the game, drawing global attention to leagues outside Europe’s traditional powerhouses.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

While financial milestones are remarkable, Ronaldo’s sporting achievements are equally staggering. Over his career, he has scored nearly 900 official goals, won multiple domestic and international trophies, and broken countless records. At 40, he remains passionate about football, stating at the Portugal Football Globes gala that he plans to continue playing as long as he can contribute meaningfully to his club and national team.

“I still have a passion for this,” Ronaldo said. “My family says it’s time to quit… but I don’t think that way inside. I am still producing good things, helping my club and the national team. The few years I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest.” Sports Channel emphasizes that Ronaldo’s mindset—combining relentless ambition with physical discipline—has been central to his longevity and continued relevance.

Joining an Elite Circle

Ronaldo’s billionaire status places him among a rare echelon of athletes, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, and Roger Federer. Unlike many athletes whose fame peaks on the field or court, Ronaldo’s influence extends into entrepreneurship, media, and global culture. He has leveraged social media with unmatched skill, boasting over 600 million followers across platforms, allowing him to control his narrative, engage fans directly, and attract business opportunities.

The Ronaldo Business Machine

Beyond salary and endorsements, Ronaldo’s business acumen includes CR7-branded clothing, fragrance lines, hotels, gyms, and strategic partnerships with international corporations. Sports Channel notes that this diversification has been a major factor in achieving billionaire status, showing how modern athletes can turn sporting talent into a sustainable business empire.

Ronaldo’s story illustrates the intersection of sport, celebrity, and commerce. Every goal, every transfer, and every public appearance has contributed not just to his legacy as a player but to a financial and cultural brand that is likely to endure long after he hangs up his boots.

Inspiring a New Generation

Ronaldo’s journey from Madeira to billionaire status serves as inspiration for aspiring footballers and entrepreneurs alike. Sports Channel emphasizes that his life is a blueprint for ambition, work ethic, and strategic thinking, showing that talent alone is not enough—discipline, branding, and global vision are equally important.

Even as he chases personal records and continues to influence football worldwide, Ronaldo’s story underscores the global nature of modern sport, where success is measured not only in trophies but in reach, influence, and the ability to leave a lasting mark.

Football, Fame, and the Billion-Dollar Benchmark

Cristiano Ronaldo becoming football’s first billionaire is not just a personal achievement; it’s a milestone in the evolution of professional sport. His journey highlights how modern athletes can shape global culture, create business empires, and inspire millions. For fans on Sports Channel, it’s a reminder of how football continues to evolve, blending sport, entertainment, and commerce in unprecedented ways.

Ronaldo’s record-breaking career and financial success show that the modern athlete is no longer confined to the pitch—he is a global brand, a cultural icon, and now, a billionaire.