World’s Richest Athletes Turn to Tourism Investments to Boost Fortunes

The world’s highest-paid athletes, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar, have continued to grow their wealth through strategic investments, with a particular focus on the tourism sector. In 2024, these ventures propelled their earnings to record-breaking levels.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal has been a notable example of this trend. Nadal expanded his wealth by acquiring hotels in Mexico in partnership with AMResorts and extending his Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre to various hotel properties. He also launched a new brand with Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá, and entered the branded residences market with Abel Matutes. These ventures have significantly boosted his financial portfolio, which is valued at approximately $319 million. Additionally, Nadal invested in the restaurant business, collaborating with fellow athletes Pau Gasol and Cristiano Ronaldo to establish Tatel, a chain with locations in cities such as Madrid, Ibiza, Valencia, Mexico City, Riyadh, and Dubai.

Cristiano Ronaldo, with an annual income of $260 million, has similarly channeled his earnings into the hotel industry. Partnering with the Portuguese group Pestana, Ronaldo’s hotel brand operates properties in Madrid, New York, Morocco, Madeira, and Lisbon.

Lionel Messi, whose annual income reaches $135 million, has also embraced hotel investments. Through SOCIMI (a Spanish real estate investment trust), he has built a portfolio of six properties managed by the Majestic Hotel Group under the MIM brand. These hotels are located in Andorra, Baqueira, Ibiza, Mallorca, Sitges, Sotogrande, and the Valle de Arán.

Gerard Piqué has joined the ranks of athlete investors in the tourism industry by developing the first hotel under the ME by Meliá brand in Málaga, which is scheduled to open this year.

Neymar, earning approximately $80 million annually, has also ventured into the tourism sector. The Brazilian footballer is working with developer Due to create luxury resorts along a 62-mile stretch in Brazil, aiming to transform the area into the “Brazilian Caribbean.”

As these elite athletes diversify their income streams, tourism has become a key sector, allowing them to solidify their financial futures while reshaping the landscape of luxury accommodations worldwide.

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