The argument about which football player is the greatest ever continues rolling on with the game’s fans being in one of two distinct camps: Team Cristiano Ronaldo or Team Lionel Messi. Both men are elite level, once in a generation players who are still lighting up the pitch with magical displays despite being in the twilight of their long and illustrious careers. It is almost impossible to separate the two in the “who is the best player” debate, but there is one clear winner when it comes to their social media presence: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nobody could envisage that Ronaldo would become a global superstar, a fashion icon, and the most followed person on the planet on social media. Ronaldo grew up in an impoverished household with an alcoholic father, and playing football was his escape from the world. Young Ronaldo worked tirelessly at improving his skills, so much so that Sporting CP, otherwise known as Sporting Lisbon, signed him in 1997 when Ronaldo was only 12-years-old. Ronaldo’s progress through Sporting Lisbon’s ranks was extraordinary. Aged 16, Ronaldo became the first player to play for the club’s under-16, under-17, under-18, the B team, and the first team during the same season.

His First Big Money Transfer and a Meteoric Rise to Superstardom

Ronaldo played 25 games and scored three goals during his debut season, but his performances set tongues wagging around Europe. Spanish outfit Barcelona and English clubs Arsenal and Liverpool clambered for Ronaldo’s signature, but the online sports book Bovada LV made Manchester United favorites to sign him. Then manager Alex Ferguson said Ronaldo was “one of the most exciting young players” he had ever seen, and he sanctioned a £12.24 million fee with Sporting for the 18-year-old Portuguese star in the making.

His development continued rapidly, and he became a Manchester United legend during the six years he spent with the club. Real Madrid paid €94 million for Ronaldo in 2009, and it is here where he turned into one of the world’s most famous and marketable athletes.

Forbes ranked Ronaldo as the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2016 and 2017, with ESPN ranking him as the world’s most famous athlete between 2016-19. Like any celebrity in the public eye, Ronaldo used his superstardom to boost his earning potential. Endorsements began flying through the door, and Ronaldo made himself even more marketable by building a strong social presence.

The Most Marketable Athlete on the Planet

The Portuguese legend has accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where fans get a glimpse into his life. Fans love seeing images of his $18 million car collection, including his ultra-rare Bugatti Centodieci, which cost him $9.9 million. It is estimated that Ronaldo’s sponsors earned more than $930 million in media value across his accounts in the 12-months between June 2016 and June 2017. By February 2021, Ronaldo became the first sportsperson to boast 500 million followers across the three main social media channels.

Fastforward to May 2022, and Ronaldo is the most followed person on Facebook (151 million), the most popular athlete on Twitter (100.6 million), and the most followed person on the planet on Instagram (447 million) for a grand total of 698.6 million followers, which is nothing short of ridiculous when you think about it.

Although Ronaldo has never said publically how much money he earns from sponsored content, analysts suggest he charges a minimum of $1 million per advertisement on Instagram alone.

Philanthropy and Using His Image For Good

Of course, Ronaldo is the primary beneficiary of his world-leading social media presence and the huge salary he commands. Still, he is also a generous person who donates a lot of money to worthy causes. He contributed £5 million to the relief effort after the earthquake in Nepal in 2015.

In addition, Ronaldo does not drink alcohol or, unlike many of his peers, have any tattoos. He is like this so he can regularly donate blood and bone marrow. It is great to see someone with such a high profile contributing to the greater good.

Visiting Orlando isn’t usually something done on the spur of the moment – it takes a lot of planning, for one thing, and for another, it’s certainly not going to be a cheap break away. The theme parks are expensive, for example, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve got enough spending money to enjoy yourself. One of the best things you can do is search out Orlando hotels that don’t break the bank, giving you more to spend on making memories. Here are some to choose from.

Source: westgateresorts.com

1. Westgate Blue Tree Resort

 

 

Westgate Resorts are the ideal place for families. 

Westgate understands that families want to save money when they travel to Disney World, and that’s why their Orlando area hotels are such good value. It’s the customer who has been put first. There are seven excellent hotels to choose from to suit all needs and budgets. The Westgate Blue Tree Resort, for example, is very close to Disney Springs for all your eating and shopping needs. It has four outdoor pools, you can play mini-golf, and there is a fitness studio, among a plethora of other facilities. The suites that you will stay in are like a home from home, complete with their own kitchen, so you can save even more money by eating in when you choose. 

Source: westgateresorts.com 

 

 

2. Westgate Towers

 

Enjoy the home-from-home atmosphere. 

While we’re on the subject of Westgate Resorts, it’s worth also mentioning Westgate Towers. Here you’ll get a lot of value for money, and it’s a great base for enjoying your stay in Florida even more. Located in Kissimmee, you’re a little further away from the parks than in some other Orlando hotels, but don’t let this put you off – you’re still nearby, and the facilities at the hotel include three outdoor heated pools. Plus, you can use the amenities in neighboring resorts, ensuring you have everything you need. The suites are furnished in a home-from-home style, so you can relax and enjoy your stay without any worries at all. Source: Instagram, posted on April 26, 2022, Point Orlando Hotel’s official profile.

3. The Point Orlando

 

 

Larger rooms are standard at The Point. 

When you want great value, the Point Orlando can give it to you. Located right in the heart of everything, between Orlando International Airport, Downtown Orlando, and the Walt Disney World parks, you’re able to do everything on your bucket list when you stay here. Not only is the hotel perfectly situated, but there is a free shuttle to take you to and from wherever you want to go. The Poolside Cabana Bar is great for those days when you want to lounge around the pool, and if you’re on the go, you can grab a snack and coffee from the onsite Starbucks. The rooms here are larger than in many other Orlando hotels and offer kitchenettes. 

Source: Instagram, posted on May 7, 2022, Floridays Resort’s official profile.

4. Floridays Resort 

 

 

Floridays is perfect for families. 

Families love the Floridays Resort, and there are many reasons for this. To begin with, the rooms are massive and set out in a condo-style, so everyone can have their own space, and you won’t feel uncomfortable at all. There are also private balconies and home comforts such as laundry equipment. There are also great pools at Floridays – one offers kids a splash area, and the other is ideal for a more sedate swim. The pool is a great hangout in general, as there are movie nights there, pool parties, and live music. On top of this, there is a fitness center, arcade, mini market, and café. Plus, you’re only three miles away from Disney. 

Source: Instagram, posted on February 13, 2020, Resinn_Seaworld’s official profile.

 

5. Residence Inn 

 

The Residence Inn is part of the SeaWorld Resort. 

The Residence Inn at SeaWorld offers a lot for guests to enjoy. The décor is colorful and modern, making everyone feel happy and cheerful and ready to have some fun. Outside you’ll find wicker furniture that matches the colors within the rooms, giving an overall cohesive and comfortable look. All the studios have excellent kitchens, specially designed soft bedding, and free wifi, so all your needs are covered. Other facilities for guests to enjoy include barbecues, a lovely pool with plenty of lounge chairs, a fitness suite, and a fire pit. You’re also close to SeaWorld and can get early entry passes on select days. Source: Instagram, posted on May 14, 2022, CourtyardLakeBV’s official profile.

6. The Courtyard Lake Buena Vista 

 

 

The Courtyard is budget-friendly and close to the action. 

When you’re just one mile away from Walt Disney World, and you’re able to find budget-friendly accommodation, you must be doing something right. When you stay at The Courtyard Lake Buena Vista, you have all of this and much more. With free wifi, free shuttle service, a magnificent pool, and a fitness suite, you will never be bored. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat in the food court, with deli food, hot beverages, and even ice cream. Go to The Bistro for your main meals, and you won’t be disappointed. In the rooms, there are coffee makers, fridges, and very comfy beds. 

Source: Instagram, posted on January 21, 2022, GPHKissimmee’s official profile.

7. Galleria Palms Hotel

 

 

You can have the best of both worlds at the Galleria Palms Hotel. 

The Galleria Palms Hotel can be found in Kissimmee, a great town a little south of Orlando itself. It’s still close to everything you need, great for the budget, and offers guests some special extras besides the standard Orlando hotels’ amenities. One of the best things about this hotel is that it is away from the hustle and bustle, so you can truly relax – something all vacations need a little of. The rooms are simply decorated but have coffee makers, microwaves, and fridges, as well as free wifi. There is a hot breakfast buffet each day and shuttles to the parks. You’re not only close to the parks, but you’re close to some great evening entertainment, including the Medieval Times dinner show, plus a good number of mini-golf adventure courses. 

Source: Instagram, posted on November 4, 2021, HIELakeBuenaVista’s official profile.

8. Holiday Inn Express Lake Buena Vista 

 

 

Ideally located for all the parks. 

The Holiday Inn Express Lake Buena Vista is just 2.5 miles away from SeaWorld and close to Universal Studios and the Walt Disney World Resort as well (4.3 miles from Disney Springs, for example), making this a great place to call home when you’re on your Orlando vacation. There is a great sun terrace to make the most of, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. The front desk is available 24 hours, giving you the chance to get everything you need whenever you want it. Breakfast is available for guests, and you have the choice of American or buffet-style. 

Source: Instagram, posted on October 24, 2019, Homewood Orlando’s official profile.

9. Homewood Suites Lake Buena Vista 

Free breakfast is available for guests. 

When you just want to start having fun as soon as possible, the express check-in option at the Homewood Suites Lake Buena Vista is a great way to start. Plus, you’re so close to the action that it won’t take you long to get anywhere, meaning you can relax more and have more adventures. There is an ATM on-site should you need one and a sun terrace to make things even better, along with a lovely pool and fitness center. Don’t forget to fuel up with your complimentary breakfast too. 

Source: Instagram, posted on May 18, 2022, Hyatt House Orlando Universal’s official profile.

10. Hyatt House Orlando 

Complimentary breakfast, shuttles, and wifi are all included. 

Hyatt House Orlando is a quick and easy three-minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort, with shuttle transport, and since you can enjoy a free breakfast each day of your stay, you can make the most of your days out by getting an early and energetic start. There is a pool onsite for quieter days and free wifi in case you need it. In each room, you’ll find a coffee maker, fridge, and microwave, and family rooms, including bunk beds.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 12, 2022, Embassy Suites’ official profile.

11. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive

The hotel is situated in a vibrant, exciting location. 

Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are all very exciting, but there are plenty of other things to do in Orlando, and when you stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of all of them. From Ripley’s Believe It Or Not (which is 200 yards from the hotel) to ICON Park, and so much more, you can enjoy all that Orlando has to offer. The rooms at the Embassy Suites are ideal, with flatscreen TVs and luxurious beds. The onsite restaurant, gift shop, and free wifi make this a great choice when it comes to Orlando hotels.

Source: Instagram, posted on November 7, 2018, The Berkley Orlando’s official profile.

12. The Berkley 

An independent hotel with plenty to offer guests. 

The Berkley is one of only a handful of Orlando hotels that are entirely independent, and this can be an important aspect when it comes to choosing somewhere great to stay. Located just 750 yards from Crane’s Bend Golf Course, this is a superb spot to stay if you love golf and want to have the chance to explore the Orlando area. Enjoy the hot tub and games room when you’re not in your spacious suite, complete with a kitchen.