Nike: Cristiano Ronaldo extends as brand ambassador with a lifetime contract worth $1bn (press)

The US sports equipment manufacturer Nike has extended its partnership with the Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, on 08/11/2016. The Real Madrid CF (LaLiga Santander) player has been a Nike brand ambassador since 2003. Neither the duration nor the amount of the contract were disclosed, with Nike only speaking of a "long term" contract.

"For me, it's a lifetime contract, Nike is the best brand in the world, this is my brand. This is the best contract of my career," said the 31-year-old in a video posted on Nike's website. According to Spanish and American media, Cristiano Ronaldo may have signed a lifetime contract with Nike, similar to the agreements reached by the American brand with retired basketball player Michael Jordan and current basketball player Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA).

As is speculated with Lebron James, Nike may pay the Portuguese striker an amount greater than $1bn (€907m) for this lifetime contract, according to the US news website TMZ, citing sources within the sports eqipment brand. According to Portuguese and Spanish media, Nike would now…