People travel for various reasons, be it to explore historical sites, devour delicious local cuisine, or learn a new language.
Likewise, many travelers venture abroad to switch off from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, with many sports stars doing the same when the competitive action is over.
However, while most travelers stay in resorts and hostels, these current and former professional athletes have amazing homes to relax in.
Overall, there are a lot of vacation homes athletes own, with many of them being frequented during the summer break or when a particular professional decides to retire. Alongside their more permanent homes worldwide, these amazing holiday escapes are the perfect places for some of the planet’s most recognizable sporting figures to enjoy the fruits of their labor and unwind in the best way possible. From state-of-the-art features to lush scenery, there are some spectacular places.
With that in mind, we briefly highlight some of the amazing holiday homes of the sporting world’s finest athletes below.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly still owns his house in Madrid.
As one of the most beautiful stars in the game, Cristiano Ronaldo has earned vast sums of money over the years. Ronaldo tops the list of the highest-paid athletes out there. As such, the current Saudi Pro League player owns several homes, with his Madrid house still being one of his most prized properties, according to reports. Ronaldo purchased it for $7.2 million during his Real Madrid days, with this stunning pad coming with a trophy room, two large swimming pools, and an enormous gym.
Rory McIlroy’s Palm Beach Gardens residence is exceptional.
As one of the finest golfers on the circuit, Rory McIlroy has done well for himself. While Northern Ireland will always be his home, the likeable golfer spends much time at his eye-catching space in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It costs $9.5 million and comes with an open layout, panoramic party patios with ocean views, a gym, and even a sunken bar.
Chad Johnson’s place in Davie is wonderful.
For fans of the NFL who watch the biggest games and enjoy options like NFL betting, Chad Johnson is a former player they’ll undoubtedly remember. Johnson’s 11 seasons in the league saw him earn staggering amounts of money, resulting in the former Dolphins and Patriots wide receiver investing in a luxurious getaway in Florida. Whether or not the now-47-year-old still owns his home in Davie isn’t known, but it cost him $1.3 million in 2005, and it comes with everything an NFL player requires, from a home cinema to a vast pool.
Tom Brady has a home in Costa Rica.
While Chad Johnson had a successful career in the NFL, it doesn’t come close to Tom Brady’s exploits on the field. Brady has achieved it all, resulting in the legendary quarterback being able to invest in an extensive selection of properties around the world, including in Costa Rica. Brady’s home there has been mentioned in numerous interviews, offering him the perfect place to switch off and enjoy the healthy lifestyle he has always championed.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona eco house is unique.
Lionel Messi, another soccer player who has achieved it all in the sport, is currently lighting up Major League Soccer. However, his best moments came in Europe while playing for Barcelona. His unique eco house is still under his ownership, with this soccer-shaped property designed by Spanish architect Luis de Garrido, containing hexagonal sectors featuring an array of state-of-the-art inclusions.
