Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s richest individuals, has measured the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr star’s net worth for the first time at $1.4 billion (£1.04bn).

The estimate factors in his career earnings, investments, and endorsement deals. Ronaldo reportedly earned more than $550 million (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, with a decade-long Nike deal alone bringing in nearly $18 million (£13.4m) annually.

After joining Al-Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo became the highest-paid player in football history, earning £177 million a year. He recently extended his contract with the Saudi Pro League club until after his 42nd birthday, in a deal worth more than $400 million (£298m).

For comparison, Lionel Messi has earned more than $600 million (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career, including $20 million (£15m) annually since 2023 — about 10% of Ronaldo’s income over the same period.