Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes the First Billionaire Footballer – Bloomberg

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player, according to financial data released by Bloomberg.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s richest people, has now included the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker, estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).

Ronaldo’s massive wealth comes from a mix of football salaries, business investments, and global endorsement deals. Between 2002 and 2023, he reportedly earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salaries alone. 

One of his biggest endorsement deals is with Nike, a decade-long contract worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) every year.

His move to Al-Nassr in 2022 also changed the game financially. The deal made him the highest-paid footballer in history, earning an estimated £177 million annually. He has since extended his contract for two more years, a deal reportedly valued at over $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the Saudi club beyond his 42nd birthday.

Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi, is not far behind. Bloomberg estimates that Messi has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salaries over his career.

However, since 2023, the Argentine star’s guaranteed pay of $20 million (£15 million) a year at Inter Miami is only a fraction of Ronaldo’s current earnings.