Football is all about fast cars, private jets and million dollar mansions — but a growing number of players are investing their fortunes in a different kind of luxury: high-end hotels. From sun-kissed resorts in Portugal to chic urban hideaways in Madrid, footballers are stepping into hospitality with style and ambition. Leading the charge is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Pestana CR7 Hotels chain has become a global symbol of sporting glamour and refined travel.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The CR7 Hotel Empire
Few names in sport carry as much global recognition as Cristiano Ronaldo, and his ventures beyond football are as impressive as his on-field achievements. Teaming up with Portugal’s renowned Pestana Group, Ronaldo created a hotel brand that fuses luxury, fitness and lifestyle — all under the unmistakable CR7 name.
The Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels have locations in:
- Lisbon – Portuguese charm meets modern urban luxury.
- Madeira (Funchal) – Ronaldo’s hometown, where his first CR7 hotel is located near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum.
- Madrid – a stylish tribute to his Real Madrid years.
- New York – capturing the energy of Manhattan with a touch of Portuguese sophistication.
- Marrakech – a luxurious desert oasis.
Each hotel features sport-inspired interiors, state-of-the-art gyms, rooftop pools and tech-driven amenities — from digital concierge services to in-room fitness features. Guests can even track their own wellness stats, a nod to Ronaldo’s famously disciplined lifestyle.
According to Pestana CR7 Hotels, the brand is opening in Paris and Manchester soon, as it continues to blend luxury travel with the world’s favourite sport.
Why Footballers Are Investing in Hotels
Football careers, even for the biggest stars, are short. Many players are now using their brand power and financial acumen to secure long-term investments that fit their image. The hospitality industry is a natural fit: it offers global visibility, strong returns and lifestyle synergy with luxury, travel and sport.For athletes like Ronaldo, who already live a life of global travel and elite standards, owning hotels isn’t just business — it’s a brand extension. By attaching their names to hotel chains, footballers connect with fans in a more personal way, allowing guests to “live like their heroes,” if only for a weekend.
Other Footballers with a Taste for Hospitality
While Ronaldo may lead the pack, several other footballers have followed his example:
- David Beckham has invested in luxury projects in Miami and Dubai, including partnerships with global hotel developers and his own property ventures connected to Inter Miami CF.
- Lionel Messi owns the MiM Hotels chain, managed by Majestic Hotel Group, with locations in Sitges, Ibiza and Andorra. Each MiM property reflects Messi’s understated elegance, focusing on sustainability, boutique design and Mediterranean flair.
- Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, former Manchester United teammates, co-founded Hotel Football near Old Trafford in Manchester. The hotel’s pitch-side theme and football memorabilia make it a unique destination for fans visiting the city.
- Andrés Iniesta, while better known for his winery, has also invested in boutique accommodation in Spain’s La Mancha region — combining fine wine, food and hospitality.
These ventures show how footballers are redefining the idea of sports success, blending entrepreneurship with lifestyle and culture.
CR7 Hotels: A New Definition of Lifestyle Luxury
The CR7 brand stands out because it fuses athletic inspiration with cosmopolitan luxury. The hotels don’t just cater to football fans — they attract travellers looking for high-energy, design-driven stays. Guests can enjoy rooftop lounges, Mediterranean fusion cuisine and even “training zones” inspired by Ronaldo’s own routines.
The vibe is distinctly millennial: digital, connected and wellness-focused. Each CR7 property uses eco-friendly materials, advanced air-quality systems and smart lighting — combining sustainability with sophistication.
As Forbes recently noted, luxury hospitality is one of the fastest growing sectors for celebrity investors and Ronaldo’s approach shows how global athletes are merging brand identity with real-world experiences.
Football, Travel and LifestyleThe link between luxury travel and football has never been stronger. Fans follow their idols not only on the pitch but also to the places they promote or own. Whether it’s sipping cocktails at a CR7 rooftop bar or staying near the Camp Nou at Messi’s MiM Hotel, travellers are experiencing football through a new prism — as a lifestyle.
And for those who like to keep their sporting passion alive even while travelling, checking out the latest newbettingsites can be a fun way to stay up to date with upcoming matches and odds while relaxing at one of these luxury getaways.
Footballers are more than athletes — they are global entrepreneurs shaping industries beyond sport. Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 Hotels show how vision, branding and excellence can turn hospitality into an experience that is success itself.
From Madeira to Manhattan, these hotels are more than places to stay — they are a statement of ambition, fitness and global style. As luxury travel evolves, one thing is for sure: the world’s biggest footballers are already designing its next big destinations.
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