Football player Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview is trending after he spent a large part of the time discussing his wealth. In an uncensored conversation with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo compared his net worth to winning a Ballon d’Or and openly discussed his thoughts of becoming a billionaire by the age of 39, according to Forbes.
He also revealed that his most expensive purchase ever was a private jet purchased about a year ago. “I can buy whatever I want, but I don’t need it,” Ronaldo told Morgan.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo said in the interview that he achieved a financial milestone just like he broke a sports record: “I reached this number and I am very proud.”
The outlet reports that the aircraft is a Bombardier Global Express XRS with a custom black-gray paint job, side profile and refurbished cream interior.
The 15-year-old jet can seat 14 passengers, with seating for up to five people, and is estimated to be worth about $57 million. He also estimates that he owns about 42 luxury cars, but that’s just an estimate because he can’t remember the exact number.
Ronaldo’s shopping habits have come under scrutiny before after he discussed pollution linked to private jets in the Morgan interview. Frequent jet use produces significant carbon emissions, and private aviation has a higher climate impact per passenger than commercial flights. Additionally, leaked contract details show Ronaldo’s income soared following a deal with Saudi professional league side Al-Nassr, tying his spending power directly to an industry with a heavy environmental impact.
Considering his extensive car collection, pollution from transportation was also part of the discussion. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, produce no tailpipe pollution and reduce heat-trapping pollution when using clean energy, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Choosing cleaner modes of transportation, such as switching to electric cars or opting for generally lower-impact travel options, is something individuals can do, contrary to Ronaldo’s admission that he views cars as expensive cosmetic items.
“It’s like buying a painting. I can’t drive that car, it’s an investment. I don’t know how many cars I have, I can’t count,” he told Morgan.
Talking openly about environmental choices with friends and family, even if it’s about your favorite athlete, can help lead to a deeper discussion about the impact of great wealth.
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