A former bodyguard of Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how much it costs to protect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo has long captivated millions of fans with his star-studded lifestyle off the pitch.
Yet, behind the glitz and glamour of the world’s highest-paid athlete, there’s a world of constant vigilance, where safety is paramount.
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Cristiano Ronaldo | IMAGO
An exclusive revelation from Ronaldo’s former bodyguard, Hichman Bukhari, sheds light on what it really takes to protect the global superstar—and how much it cost.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s new security is said to be more experienced and intimidating than Messi’s famous bodyguard.
The price of protection: ₦1.7m a day for four years
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Hichman Bukhari | Instagram
In a revealing interview with Telecinco, Hichman Bukhari, a Private Military Contractor (PMC) and Close Protection Operative with over 127,000 followers on Instagram, pulled back the curtain on his role safeguarding Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s time at Real Madrid.
According to Hichman, Ronaldo paid him a hefty ₦1.7 million (£850) a day for four straight years to ensure his and his family’s safety.
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Hichman Bukhari (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo | Instagram
Yet, despite the substantial daily fee and the immense responsibility, the bodyguard described Ronaldo’s threat level as relatively low.
“His profile wasn’t high-risk because people didn’t want to kill him, and he didn’t receive death threats,” he explained.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s former bodyguard Hichman Bukhari | Telecinco
Instead, the primary dangers came from overzealous fans or potential robbers.
Hichman detailed the meticulous planning behind each day’s protection.
“We always have to know where we’re going, who will be there, and have clear entry and exit points, as well as contact points,” he said.
“We must always be aware that our lives could be at risk. We have to be willing to protect a person, and sometimes we have to give our lives to protect them.”
While many might imagine Ronaldo’s security as purely physical muscle, Hichman emphasised the mental discipline required.
“If I have to use weapons, I will use them. The most important thing is having the ability to think quickly, solve problems, and remain calm in difficult situations,” he said.
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Hichman Bukhari and Cristiano Ronaldo with his son Junior | Credit: Facebook
Despite the occasional “silly incidents” with paparazzi or “crazy fans,” the bodyguard praised Ronaldo as “the best boss I’ve ever had.”
Their relationship was professional yet respectful, without the high tension often associated with protecting high-profile individuals under threat of death or kidnapping.
Meet Hichman’s successor and Ronaldo’s new bodyguard
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Claudio Miguel Vaz is reportedly Ronaldo’s new bodyguard | Credit: Instagram
Pulse Sports earlier reported that Ronaldo has appointed Claudio Miguel Vaz as his new chief bodyguard.
Vaz is expected to oversee the protection of Ronaldo and his family, continuing the legacy of stringent security measures.
This change signals Ronaldo’s ongoing commitment to safety as he navigates the demands of his high-profile lifestyle.
Vaz is a seasoned security expert known for working with high-profile footballers and musicians, including Portuguese stars Rafael Leao and Gelson Martins.
With over 12,000 Instagram followers, Vaz’s style is described as more “intimidating and aggressive” compared to Ronaldo’s previous security team.
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Claudio Miguel Vaz is reportedly Ronaldo’s new bodyguard | Credit: Instagram
Recently, he attracted attention for using a bright flashlight to disrupt photographers during Georgina Rodríguez’s Fashion Week trip to Paris.
A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking backlash and criticism for his aggressive tactics.
Fans expressed displeasure, accusing Vaz of being overly forceful in handling the paparazzi.
