Cristiano Ronaldo joins $575m investment alongside LeBron James

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again demonstrated his acumen away from the pitch, teaming up with NBA icon LeBron James in a blockbuster $575 million funding round for performance-wearable company Whoop, according to Sportune. The deal, which values the Boston-based firm at more than $10 billion, underscores the Portuguese star’s accelerating push into technology-driven enterprises and further cements his status as the highest-earning athlete on the planet.

The Manchester United legend, who recently topped the 2025 global athlete rich list ahead of James, is no stranger to high-stakes commercial ventures. Last month, nutrition giant Herbalife finalized its takeover of a business venture in which Ronaldo and United teammate Diogo Dalot were key stakeholders, adding another layer to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s expanding portfolio.

Ronaldo’s appetite for ownership has also extended into football itself. Earlier this year he acquired a 25 percent stake in Spanish club UD Almería, signaling a long-term commitment to shaping the sport beyond his playing days.

Joining Ronaldo and James in the Whoop round are Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and an array of other elite athletes, amplifying the company’s credibility within professional circles. Whoop specializes in wrist-worn devices that monitor strain, recovery, and sleep, offering users granular data aimed at optimizing performance—an offering that resonates with athletes intent on prolonging careers and maximizing output.

The collaboration reflects a broader trend of superstar athletes leveraging their wealth and influence to back next-generation health and fitness technologies. For Ronaldo, the investment is the latest step in constructing a legacy that transcends football, positioning him at the intersection of sport, science, and global commerce.

As the final whistle on his on-field career inevitably approaches, Ronaldo’s off-field playbook appears to be just getting started.