Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire footballer, according to a report that places the Portuguese superstar among sport’s most exclusive financial elite.
The Al Nassr and Portugal striker’s net worth has been estimated at $1.4bn (£1.04bn) by the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The valuation marks the first time Ronaldo’s fortune has appeared in the prestigious wealth rankings, solidifying his position as football’s highest earner.
The valuation puts Ronaldo among a small group of billionaire athletes including basketball greats Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, as well as golfer Tiger Woods and tennis player Roger Federer.
Saudi Contract Drives Wealth Surge
Bloomberg said that between 2002, when he started his career at the Portuguese team Sporting CP, to 2023, Ronaldo earned more than $550m (£410.4m) in salary. The 40-year-old’s wealth has skyrocketed following his move to the Saudi Pro League, where his tax-free earnings have dramatically boosted his fortune.
That was supplemented with a decade-long sponsorship by Nike, worth close to $18m (£13.4m) per year, and endorsements from brands like Armani and Castrol, adding more than $175m (£130.6m) to his fortune.
After leaving Manchester United by mutual consent, Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in 2023, and became the highest-paid player in history with a salary of around $237.2m (£177m) – plus bonuses and a reported 15% share in the club.
New Contract Worth £298.5m
Still playing at 40 years old, Ronaldo has just signed a new contract with the Saudi side, reportedly worth more than $400m (£298.5m). The extension will keep him at Al Nassr until 2027, ensuring his billionaire status continues to grow.
The Portuguese forward’s financial ascent represents a remarkable achievement for a player still competing at the highest level, distinguishing him from other billionaire athletes who typically reached the milestone after retirement or through business ventures rather than playing contracts.
Chasing 1,000 Goals
With the World Cup next year, Ronaldo shows no sign of hanging up his boots, telling the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday: “I still have a passion for this.
“My family says it’s time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1,000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something. But I don’t think that way inside,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed.
“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.”
Ronaldo currently stands at 946 career goals, needing just 54 more to reach the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone. His tally includes 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal, making him the highest scorer in men’s international football history.
Record-Breaking Career Continues
“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,” Ronaldo added at Tuesday’s ceremony, where he received the Prestige Award for his career achievements.
The forward, who has won the UEFA Champions League five times and claimed five Ballon d’Or awards, emphasised that the recognition was not an end-of-career award but acknowledgement of his continued excellence.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 initially raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether the Saudi Pro League represented a semi-retirement. However, he has silenced doubters by maintaining his prolific scoring rate, netting 104 goals in 117 matches for the Riyadh-based club.
Billionaire Athletes Club
Ronaldo’s achievement places him in rarified company among sport’s financial elite. Basketball legend Michael Jordan earned approximately $90m (£67m) during his playing career but built his $3.8bn (£2.8bn) fortune through endorsements and business ventures, particularly his partnership with Nike.
Tennis star Roger Federer became a billionaire earlier this year, despite earning just $130m (£97m) in prize money throughout his career. His wealth surge came from a 3% stake in Swiss shoe company On, purchased in 2019 and now worth around $500m (£373m).
Unlike many of his billionaire peers, Ronaldo’s fortune has been driven primarily by his playing contracts rather than outside ventures, though he does own the CR7 brand encompassing fragrances, underwear, footwear, and hotels.
Portugal’s Pride
At the Portugal Football Globes, Ronaldo expressed his enduring love for representing his country. “I have been with the National Team for 22 years, and that speaks to the passion I have for winning trophies and playing. I even say many times: if I could, I would play football only for the National Team, I wouldn’t play for any other club.”
With Portugal having qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo is set to make his record sixth appearance at football’s premier tournament, potentially extending his legendary career even further.
The billionaire milestone represents yet another record for a player who has consistently defied age and expectations throughout his remarkable career. As he continues pursuing his 1,000-goal target, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down in what has become football’s most lucrative twilight years.
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