By Andrew Aloia BBC Sport Last updated on 11 October 2021 11 October 2021 . From the section Football Watson was a trailblazer who helped transform how football was played There are two murals of black footballers facing one another across an alleyway in Glasgow. One helped shape football as we know it, the other is Pele. Andrew Watson captained Scotland to a 6-1 win over England on his debut in 1881. He was a pioneer, the world's first black international, but for more than a century the significance of his achievements went unrecognised. Research conducted over the past three decades has left us with some biographical details: a man descended of slaves and of those who enslaved them, born in Guyana, raised to become an English gentleman and famed as one of Scottish football's first icons. And yet today, 100 years on from his death aged 64, Watson remains something of an enigma, the picture built around him a fractured one. His grainy, faded, sepia image evokes many differen...
The first one to arrive at training and the last one to leave, Cristiano Ronaldo always goes the extra mile to keep on top of his game. This mentality translates across the superstar’s life. As the footballer continues to break records during the Euro 2020 tournament, we thought we’d take a look at the private jet he flies.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306A turbofans power the Gulfstream G200 aircraft. Photo: PrivateFly
Big money
The 36-year-old is still in top form following his brace against Hungary this week as he became the first player to feature in matches at five Euro finals. The Portugal international has also been in the spotlight off the pitch with his Coca-Cola snub at a press conference. His impact on society is so broad, that his declaration of choosing water over the soft drink cost the brand an estimated $4 billion.
With such a prominent presence across the globe and a net worth of around $500 million, Ronaldo requires adequate privacy as he continues to fly from city to city for work. Thus, his vessel of choice is a Gulfstream G200, holding registration EC-KBC.
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The aircraft
According to Aviapages, this super-midsize class jet can fit up to 10 passengers with a width of 2.19 m and length of 7.44 m. There are three divan seats, three beds, and of course, a lavatory. The aircraft was produced with serial number 145 in 2006, but it was refurbished in 2019.
Along with an electric oven, there is a refrigerator, satellite phone, entertainment system, fax machine, and microwave on Ronaldo’s aircraft. All this allows him, his partner Georgina Rodriguez, and his children, to keep occupied while onboard.
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Formerly known as the IAI Galaxy, only 250 units of the G200 were made between 1997 and 2011. The aircraft has a max speed of 560 mph (900 km/h) and a cruise speed of 528 mph (850 km/h). It can also reach a range of up to 3,400 NM (6,300 km) with four passengers and two flight crew members on board. These specs allow Ronaldo to jet between cities seamlessly.
Ronaldo purchased the Gulfstream G200 in 2015 for approximately $25 million. Photo: Getty Images
Flying in style
The G200 isn’t the only Gulfstream jet that Ronaldo has chosen to hit the skies in. During a tour of Asia in the spring of 2019, he hopped around in the G650, a model worth approximately a whopping $65 million!
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The Gulfstream G650 conducted its first flight in 2009. Photo: Getty Images
This type can carry up to 18 passengers and has an impressive range of up to 7,000 NM (12,964 km). It is also one of the fastest business jets with a high speed cruise of up to 594 mph (956 km/h).
So, however Ronaldo chooses to fly, he does so with class. He will undoubtedly be looking forward to bringing another Euro medal home on his jet after this tournament is over.
What are your thoughts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet? Do you feel that this plane is suited to the player’s requirements? Is there another footballer’s aircraft that you’d like us to cover? Let us know what you think of how celebrities fly in the comment section.
Deputy Editor - Sumit comes to Simple Flying with more than eight years’ experience as a professional journalist. Having written for The Independent, Evening Standard, and others, his role here allows him to explore his enthusiasm for aviation and travel. Having built strong relationships with Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Aeroflot, and more, Sumit excels in both aviation history and market analysis. Based in London, UK.
By Andrew Aloia BBC Sport Last updated on 11 October 2021 11 October 2021 . From the section Football Watson was a trailblazer who helped transform how football was played There are two murals of black footballers facing one another across an alleyway in Glasgow. One helped shape football as we know it, the other is Pele. Andrew Watson captained Scotland to a 6-1 win over England on his debut in 1881. He was a pioneer, the world's first black international, but for more than a century the significance of his achievements went unrecognised. Research conducted over the past three decades has left us with some biographical details: a man descended of slaves and of those who enslaved them, born in Guyana, raised to become an English gentleman and famed as one of Scottish football's first icons. And yet today, 100 years on from his death aged 64, Watson remains something of an enigma, the picture built around him a fractured one. His grainy, faded, sepia image evokes many differen...
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