It seems world class footballers really do have it easy. Despite earning huge wages most people can only dream of, Real Madrid players are gifted a brand new Audi of their choice each year by their club sponsor, Audi.
Real Madrid have had a sponsorship deal with Audi for 11 years, and each year they treat the Real Madrid first team squad players to complimentary cars.
The event was held on Monday at 1pm CET at parking area 5 at Ciudad Real Madrid.
Forward Cristiano Ronaldo and defender Sergio Ramos selected the most powerful model available, the 520bhp Audi S8.
Cristiano Ronaldo poses in front of his new Audi S8. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo sits inside his new Audi S8. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
The most popular choice was the large 4WD Audi Q7 SUV, selected by 12 players including Welsh international Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez.
Gareth Bale happy with his Audi Q7 3.0 TDI choice in black. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
James Rodqiguez opted for the popular Audi Q7, but in blue. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
New signing Toni Krros opted for the more elegant S7 sportback in silver.
Toni Kroos gives a thumbs up to his Audi S7 Sportback in silver. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail.
Before being presented with the keys to their new cars, the Real Madrid players were assigned to completed a series of tests, including stationary bike pedal race and a keepy-uppy challenge. A small price to pay for brand new luxury cars, some worth over £80,000 (€100,000).
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his love of cars and his past and current car collection include Maseratis, Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
The full list of the players choices, taken from Mundo Deportivo are:
Players
Cristiano Ronaldo – Audi S8 4.0
Gareth Bale – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
James Rodriguez – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Iker Casillas – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Sergio Ramos – Audi S8 4.0
Karim Benzema – Audi Q5 3.0 TDI
Toni Kroos – Audi S7 Sportback
Keylor Navas – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Javier Hernandez – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Marcelo – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Pepe – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Luka Modric – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Isco – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Sami Khedira – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Raphael Varana – Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI
Jese Rodriguez – Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDI
Nacho Fernandez – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Dani Carvajal – Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI
Alvara Arbeloa – Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI
Fabio Coentrao – Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
Asier Illarramendi – Audi S3 2.0
Dani Pacheco – Audi S3 2.0
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti – Audi A8 3.0 TDI
Carlo Ancelloti next to his his Audi A8 3.0 TDI. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
Judging by the selection of cars, I assume the hardcore RS models and Audi R8 model were not available to the players for selection. Maybe they were seen as too powerful or perhaps it would have cost Audi too much to allow players to have these models.
It seems in the modern society, footballers are so idolised that Audi feel allowing Real Madrid players to drive their cars and represent the brand makes financial sense. It is an expensive marketing campaign that will have cost Audi well into the millions but this will be small change when compared to the lucrative sponsorship deal they have with Real Madrid. The amount of publicity the cars will receive will be huge, but I’m sure the average person can’t help but be jealous of such extravagant freebies in the shape of brand new cars.
Shirt with Audi lettering and the number 11 signifying the length of the sponsorship. Image courtesy of the Daily Mail
What are your thoughts? Do you think it is unfair that individuals already paid excessive amounts are gifted free luxury Audis of their choosing? Do you think they deserve them and work hard for the luxuries? Should the rich get things for free?
