Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to Bloomberg’s latest Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Al Nassr forward is now valued at $1.4 billion (£1.04bn), a figure that combines two decades of record salaries, blockbuster endorsement deals, and a growing investment portfolio.
Bloomberg reports that Ronaldo has earned more than $550 million (£410m) in wages since his debut in 2002. His endorsement portfolio — led by a decade-long Nike deal paying nearly $18 million (£13.4m) annually — has consistently made him one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
Ronaldo’s 2022 switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr further accelerated his wealth. His initial £177 million-a-year contract made him the highest-paid player in football history. He has since agreed to a two-year extension worth more than $400 million (£298m), ensuring he remains with the Saudi Pro League side until beyond his 42nd birthday.
Beyond football, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has invested heavily in Portugal and abroad, developing the CR7 brand into a chain of hotels, gyms, and lifestyle businesses. While these ventures raise his global profile, Bloomberg notes that his playing contracts and sponsorships remain the core of his fortune.
Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi, 38, is also among the sport’s top earners, having collected more than $600 million (£447m) in salaries during his career. Messi’s current Inter Miami deal guarantees at least $20 million (£15m) annually and includes an ownership stake in the club upon retirement, a move expected to secure his wealth for decades to come.
With this milestone, Ronaldo adds “football’s first billionaire” to a career already filled with historic firsts, underscoring his impact both on and off the pitch.
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