Nike Inc. will pay Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo €6 million ($8.1 mm) per year until 2014 million, under a new sponsorship deal, up from €4 million under its previous deal. Spanish newspaper Marca says Nike stepped up its bid for the Portuguese star after Adidas attempted to sign him up.
The 25-year-old became the world’s most expensive footballer when he was transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
The amount being paid to Ronaldo, according to Marca, is still less than that paid to basketball stars Kobe Bryant, who reportedly earns €7.5 million ($10.1 mm) a year from Nike; as well as LeBron James, who earns €9 million ($12.2 mm) from Nike.
