When a global sporting icon puts his money behind a destination, the world pays attention. Cristiano Ronaldo, football’s most recognisable name, has quietly become one of the earliest celebrity homeowners at Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious tourism development — The Red Sea. Alongside partner Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo has purchased two ultra-private villas at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, signalling not just personal indulgence, but a vote of confidence in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions. What does this Red Sea address look like, why is it attracting billionaires, and how does it fit into Ronaldo’s sprawling $90 million global property empire? Here’s a closer look — packaged simply, factually, and with the details readers actually want.
Why The Red Sea Is Saudi Arabia’s Most Ambitious Luxury Playground
The Red Sea is not just another resort strip. It is a regenerative tourism megaproject being developed by Red Sea Global, spanning more than 28,000 square kilometres along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline. Planned as a low-impact, high-luxury destination, the project will ultimately feature:
Over 1,000 luxury residences 50 hotels with more than 8,000 rooms 22 islands and six inland sites Untouched coral reefs, desert landscapes, volcanoes and mountain backdrops Announced in 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the development sits between Umluj and Al-Wajh in Tabuk province and is designed to run entirely on renewable energy.
Trivia: More than 90 per cent of the destination’s islands were completely uninhabited before development began.
Why Ronaldo Chose Nujuma Over Every Other Red Sea Address
Among the Red Sea’s ultra-exclusive properties, Nujuma stands apart. One of only nine Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences worldwide, it offers just 19 private villas, each surrounded by white sand beaches and translucent blue waters. According to Red Sea Global, Ronaldo and Rodríguez were among the first buyers, selecting:
One two-bedroom villa for intimate escapes One three-bedroom villa designed for extended family stays The appeal? Absolute privacy, low-density living and nature-led luxury — a rare combination for someone whose daily life plays out under constant scrutiny. In Ronaldo’s own words, released via the developer: “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.”
A Timeline: How The Red Sea Opened Its Doors To The World
While the project has been years in the making, openings have rolled out in carefully planned phases:
November 2023: Six Senses Southern Dunes opens
January 2024: St. Regis Red Sea Resort launches
May 2024: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve debuts
October 2024: Shebara Resort welcomes guests
December 2024: Desert Rock Resort opens
September 2025: Three resorts on Shura Island go live With its own international airport now operational, the destination is within three hours of 250 million people — and within eight hours of nearly 85 per cent of the global population.
Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s $90 Million Global Property Portfolio
Ronaldo’s Red Sea villas join a carefully curated collection of homes that mirrors his career — strategic, global and unapologetically premium.
Lisbon, Portugal
In the heart of Avenida da Liberdade, Ronaldo owns a sleek penthouse reportedly worth around $7 million, once the most expensive apartment sold in the city.
Madrid, Spain
His former La Finca mansion — built during his Real Madrid era — features an indoor pool, spa, cryotherapy room and private football pitch. The property has since become a high-end rental.
Madeira, Portugal
A deeply personal home, this seven-storey waterfront residence in Funchal was converted from a nightclub and houses family members. It reportedly cost $8 million.
Turin, Italy
Perched above the city during his Juventus years, Ronaldo’s twin-villa estate blends modern glass architecture with fortress-level privacy.
Marbella, Spain
A $1.6 million holiday villa in the exclusive Heights development — often dubbed the “Superstars’ Cul-de-Sac”.
Cascais, Portugal
Perhaps his most extravagant European build: a £22 million mansion in Quinta da Marinha, featuring two pools, a tennis court and a 30-car garage.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
After an initial stay at the Four Seasons Kingdom Tower, Ronaldo settled into a contemporary villa in Al-Muhammadiyah, one of the city’s most elite neighbourhoods.
Dubai, UAE
His newest acquisition sits on Jumeirah Bay Island — “Billionaires Island” — a man-made enclave accessible only by private bridge.
Ronaldo’s Car Collection: Hypercars Worth More Than Mansions
Ronaldo’s garage reads like a supercar auction catalogue:
Bugatti Centodieci: One of only 10 made, valued between $9–12 million Bugatti Chiron and Veyron Ferrari F12 TDF and 599 GTO McLaren Senna Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Dawn Lamborghini Aventador Fun fact: The Centodieci alone is worth more than many luxury villas in Europe.
Net Worth: How Ronaldo Became Football’s First Billionaire
Ronaldo’s estimated net worth has crossed $1.4 billion, making him the first footballer to reach billionaire status. Key income streams include: Al Nassr contract: Roughly $225 million per year Nike lifetime deal: Reportedly worth $1 billion Endorsements, CR7 fashion and fragrance lines Strategic investments in hospitality, wellness and luxury assets On social media, he remains unmatched — the most followed person on Instagram globally.
The Love Story: Cristiano Ronaldo And Georgina Rodríguez
Ronaldo’s personal life has been just as closely followed as his career. He met Georgina in 2016, when she was working at a Gucci store in Madrid. Both have described the moment as an instant connection.
Building A Family
Together, they raise a blended family that includes Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, daughter Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.
Tragedy And Strength
In 2022, the couple suffered the loss of one of their newborn twins — a moment they later described as life-altering.
Engagement
In 2025, Ronaldo proposed with a diamond ring reportedly valued at up to $10 million, formalising a relationship that has spanned continents and career-defining moves. Their journey is documented in the Netflix series I Am Georgina, offering a rare glimpse behind football’s most guarded private life. Ronaldo’s investment is more than a luxury purchase. It places Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea firmly on the global elite map — alongside Monaco, the Maldives and the French Riviera — while reinforcing a shift in how the world’s wealthiest athletes view the Middle East. For a man who has conquered Europe’s biggest leagues, this chapter is about serenity, legacy and strategic living — with a private island as the backdrop.
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