By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has reached yet another historic milestone — becoming the first footballer in history to achieve billionaire status, according to the latest valuation from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old superstar, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has now been officially listed among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). The valuation includes his career earnings, sponsorship deals, business ventures, and long-term investments.
Ronaldo’s extraordinary financial rise reflects not only his unmatched success on the pitch but also his ability to build a global brand that transcends football. Bloomberg’s analysis shows that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has earned more than $550 million (£410 million) in salaries since the start of his professional career in 2002.
A major contributor to his wealth has been his lucrative endorsement portfolio. His lifetime deal with Nike, worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually, is one of the most profitable sponsorship agreements in sports history. Ronaldo also benefits from his personal fashion line, fragrances, gyms, hotels, and the CR7 lifestyle brand, which continue to generate millions in global revenue each year.
When he joined Al-Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo reportedly signed the biggest contract ever in football, earning an annual salary of around £177 million ($230 million). His success in Saudi Arabia has not only boosted his fortune but also helped elevate the Saudi Pro League’s international profile. In 2025, he extended his deal with the club for another two years — a move reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million) — ensuring his career will continue past his 42nd birthday.
His long-time rival, Lionel Messi, is also among football’s top earners, with career earnings exceeding $600 million (£447 million). However, according to Bloomberg, Messi’s current salary — around $20 million (£15 million) annually with Inter Miami — is only a fraction of Ronaldo’s recent income levels.
Ronaldo’s billionaire status places him in a rarefied class of athletes, joining figures like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who have transformed sporting success into enduring global wealth.
For Ronaldo, who has built his empire through discipline, branding, and longevity, this milestone marks yet another victory in a career defined by breaking records — both on and off the field.
