Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo just proved his influence is as strong in the boardroom as it is on the field. By investing $7.5 million into a health-tech startup owned by his long-term sponsor, Herbalife, he sent their stock soaring by over 15% in a single morning. The new venture, called HBL Pro2col, uses personal data to build custom nutrition plans—a move Ronaldo calls a “natural evolution” of his 13-year partnership with the brand. This is a huge win for Herbalife, whose stock has struggled for years following high-profile legal battles and bets against the company by billionaire investors.
At 41, the world’s highest-paid athlete is busier than ever. Between managing a social media empire of over a billion followers and prepping for the 2026 World Cup, he is clearly focused on his life after soccer. This investment marks his first official stake in Herbalife, adding to a massive business portfolio that already includes hotels and fitness centers. As he chases his 1,000th career goal this summer, this “Ronaldo Effect” on the stock market shows that everything he touches—from sports drinks to software—still turns to gold.
