Cristiano Ronaldo's private jet lands back in Portugal and people spot interesting detail about it that goes beyond its unique markings
Published on Sep 13, 2026 at 4:26 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 13, 2026 at 4:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxury private jet was recently seen landing back in Portugal, but viewers spotted something interesting about the airplane.
The detail went beyond just the unique markings on the Bombardier Global Express XRS (LX-GOL) and instead concerned the registration number on the private jet.
While Ronaldo is Portuguese, the aircraft is actually registered in a completely different country – and not one you might expect.
A quick look online reveals the rather curious reasons why this is the case.
Where is the private jet registered?
The registration on the jet is LX-GOL, which is a Luxembourg country code.
If you think that this is so money can be saved, then you would (almost certainly) be correct.
Ronaldo could have registered his aircraft in corporate form, which means he would have access to a whole lot of benefits.
The legislative, regulatory, and taxation frameworks grant these benefits while an individual is doing business in Luxembourg.
There are some rules that the soccer player will have to follow, however.
The aircraft must be registered in the country from which it operates, and it can only have the identity of one country.
Hence, you won’t see the aircraft with a Portuguese registration.
What other rules must the aircraft follow?
Many of the rules the jet owner must follow concern safety and security for Ronaldo and anyone else flying on the jet.
Things considered include the type of aircraft, how it will be used, and VAT considerations.
If the aircraft is registered in the form of a company, that allows it to be as secure as possible under maximum asset protection.
Luxembourg provides plenty of ways in which this can be achieved, as well as guidance on what to do if the aircraft is leased out.
A consulting firm can also play a massive part in helping out with this process.
They can provide support to the owner and the operator of the aircraft.
They also ensure important things like VAT returns are filed on time.
What is Ronaldo’s private jet?
Ronaldo, of course, flies in peak luxury. The soccer player has a Bombardier Global Express XRS.
The soccer player bought it around a year ago, and it is finished in a striking dark livery.
The interior features different cabin zones, all of which were arranged for Ronaldo and his family’s needs.
The first Global Express jet took to the skies in 1996, and the jets entered service in 1999.
There has been plenty of footage showing Ronaldo’s jet flying and landing at various airports.
One video from May 2026 showed the aircraft landing at Madeira Airport after it had flown in from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia – where Ronaldo plays his club football.
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
