Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s wealthiest individuals based on their net worth.
Bloomberg estimates the 40-year-old Al-Nassr striker’s fortune at an impressive $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion) — a figure that reflects his career earnings, business ventures, and global endorsement deals.
The report notes that Ronaldo has earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salary between 2002 and 2023, alongside lucrative sponsorships, including his decade-long partnership with Nike, reportedly worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2022 marked another milestone in his financial success. With an annual salary of £177 million, he became the highest-paid footballer in history. His recent two-year contract extension, valued at more than $400 million (£298 million), will see him stay at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also expanded his wealth through business ventures, including his CR7 fashion and fragrance lines, hotels, gyms, and global brand endorsements.
By comparison, his long-time rival Lionel Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary during his career. Messi’s current contract guarantees him $20 million (£15 million) annually, about 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period — and he is expected to receive an ownership stake in Inter Miami upon retirement.
Ronaldo’s new status cements his position not just as one of the greatest players of all time, but also as one of the most financially successful athletes in sports history.