Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Portugal superstar’s net worth is now estimated at $1.4 billion, marking a remarkable financial ascent alongside his legendary career on the pitch.
Record-Breaking Contracts and Endorsements
The 40-year-old striker’s rise to billionaire status follows a lucrative contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr signed in June, reportedly worth more than $400 million. Bloomberg reports that Ronaldo earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, complemented by a decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18 million annually, and high-profile endorsements with Armani, Castrol, and others totaling more than $175 million.
Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in 2023 had already made him the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual salary of 177 million pounds ($237.52 million), plus bonuses and a reported 15% share in his Saudi club. Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary during his career.
Joining the Exclusive Club of Athlete Billionaires
Ronaldo’s billionaire status places him in an elite group of athletes that includes basketball legends Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods, and tennis star Roger Federer. Despite reaching this historic milestone, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down on the field.
“I still have a passion for this,” he said at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday. “My family says it’s time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something. But I don’t think that way inside.
“I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not continue? I am sure that when I finish I will leave full because I gave everything of myself. I know I don’t have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest.”