Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire, Bloomberg Reports
Lisbon — Cristiano Ronaldo has officially joined the ranks of the world’s richest individuals, becoming the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status, according to a valuation by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain and current Al-Nassr striker in Saudi Arabia now holds an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), making him one of the few athletes in the world to enter the billionaire club — and the first ever from the world of football.
The Bloomberg report, which tracks the personal fortunes of the globe’s wealthiest, calculated Ronaldo’s fortune based on career earnings, endorsement deals, and investment assets spanning more than two decades in the spotlight.
21 Years, $550 Million in Salaries Alone
From his early days at Sporting Lisbon, to global stardom at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo’s football journey has earned him staggering wealth.
Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over $550 million (£410 million) in wages alone, according to Bloomberg. That figure doesn’t include post-tax profits from major endorsements and business ventures.
Among his most lucrative deals is a long-term contract with Nike, valued at nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually, which has spanned more than a decade. He also has sponsorships with brands like Clear Shampoo, Herbalife, and TAG Heuer, alongside his personal brand CR7, which includes fashion, fragrances, and hotels.
A Record-Breaking Saudi Payday
Ronaldo made global headlines in December 2022 when he joined Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League. The move came with what was widely reported as the most lucrative football contract in history — an annual salary of £177 million, or around $220 million.
While that deal was originally set to expire in June 2025, sources told Bloomberg that Ronaldo has extended his contract by two more years, in a deal reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298 million). The extension means Ronaldo will remain with Al-Nassr until at least age 42.
Messi’s Numbers: Impressive, But Behind
Although Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi also boasts extraordinary earnings, Bloomberg estimates place the Argentine forward’s pre-tax career salary at over $600 million (£447 million) — still short of Ronaldo’s.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has received guaranteed annual pay of $20 million (£15 million), according to the report — roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same time frame.
That said, Messi is set to receive an equity stake in Inter Miami upon his retirement — a long-term investment that could see his wealth climb further.
From Athlete to Global Mogul
Beyond football, Ronaldo has carefully built a global business empire.
His CR7 brand includes clothing lines, a chain of hotels in partnership with the Pestana Group, a fragrance collection, and even a fitness chain, CR7 Crunch Fitness, with locations across Europe and the Middle East.
His social media presence also plays a role in his wealth. With over 600 million followers on Instagram alone, Ronaldo commands some of the highest-paid sponsored posts in the world — often exceeding $1 million per post.
A Symbol of Football’s Financial Evolution
Ronaldo’s climb to billionaire status marks a turning point in the economics of global sport. It’s a testament not only to his on-field success — including five Ballon d’Or awards, over 800 career goals, and international titles — but to his strategic off-field branding and business acumen.
The news also reinforces the financial clout of Saudi Arabia’s sports investment push, with Ronaldo serving as a high-profile ambassador in the region’s efforts to become a global sporting hub.
Whether or not others follow, Ronaldo has now etched his name in history — not just as one of football’s greatest players, but as its wealthiest ever.
