The first sports star to have 200 million followers across social media, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Ronaldo is out on his own when it comes to pushing his way to the top.
According to Forbes, he has earned $88 million over the past 12 months -- $56 million of that coming through his salary and bonuses at Real Madrid, with $32 million courtesy of numerous endorsements.
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He's become quite the brand ... there is the CR7 clothing line, his own personal fragrance, his hotel range, his headphones -- and that's before his $20 million a year deal with boot provider Nike.
On the field, he's also doing the business.
He's the all-time leading goalscorer for Real Madrid, has scored more Champions League goals than anyone else in history, and is Portugal's leading marksman too.
Add his three Champions League winner's medals, four domestic league titles in Spain and England and three FIFA Ballon d'Or awards, and it's easy to see why he's one of the most famous men on the the planet.
Ice baths
"Cristiano Ronaldo is so successful because he is really serious, really professional," his former Real manager Carlo Ancelotti told CNN.
"Usually when we got back at 3 a.m. from away games, instead of going to bed he would take an ice bath."
Ronaldo's work rate and desire to improve is frequently mentioned by those who have worked with the player in the past. His undoubted ability and match-winning moments have gained him millions of fans across the world.
And yet, for all his success, his countless trophies and goals, he continues to divide popular opinion. While few doubt Ronaldo's talent, his perceived arrogance and vanity rankles with some football fans.
The ripped torso, the shirtless posing and the manicured image have given his critics plenty of ammunition in maintaining their argument that he is one of the most self-absorbed players on the planet.
After the player released his own film, a documentary detailing his life, Guardian journalist Daniel Taylor came to the conclusion that the finished product was so vain "it is difficult not to come away with the feeling that Ronaldo must shout his own name during sex."
His teammates, though, describe an athlete who is dedicated to his profession.
"He's one of those players who polarizes opinion," Owen Hargreaves, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, told CNN.
"Everybody loved him as a teammate and I think people misunderstood his body language because he was the ultimate competitor.
"People underestimate his work ethic and determination. As much as everyone thinks it's all about him, he got there because he pushed himself."
Hargreaves and Ronaldo played together at Manchester United.
Last chance?
Euro 2016 may prove the final opportunity for Ronaldo to add international honors to the club success he has enjoyed.
It is easy to forget that the once straggly teenager is now 31 -- he has played international football for the past 13 years.
Runner-up on home soil in Euro 2004, yet more disappointment ensued eight years later. Now, Portugal arrives at this year's finals in hope rather than expectation.
A favorable group, which includes Austria, Hungary and Iceland, should allow progression to the knockout stages in France -- but the team will rely heavily on Ronaldo if it is to go deep into the tournament.
CNN
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