Ronaldo is more than a footballer, he's a multi-national business

With huge revenues, a colossal audience on social media, sponsors queuing up, and his brand on products from hotels to underwear, Cristiano Ronaldo has long been more than just a football player.

But CR7's global brand may be tarnished by an accusation of rape in the United States, a complaint that dates back to 2009.

Ronaldo, "is truly a business offering a product, a service and a digital arm," Jean-Philippe Danglade, author of "Marketing and Celebrities", told AFP, pointing out that, in the player's native Madeira there is a Ronaldo museum and airport named after him.

"In terms of the collective imagination, it's really impressive."
- Beckham and Jordan -
======================= Ronaldo outstrips Messi in sponsorhip, but the accusations against him have already made his main client anxious. His strongest links are with Nike, where he is in a "long-term-partnership."