Cristiano Ronaldo Named Football’s First Billionaire Ever/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire, according to Bloomberg. The 40-year-old’s fortune was fueled by massive contracts, endorsements, and a historic deal with Al-Nassr. Ronaldo says he’s not planning to retire yet, as he remains passionate about the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo Billionaire Status Quick Looks
- Ronaldo becomes first footballer to surpass $1 billion net worth
- Bloomberg values his total fortune at $1.4 billion
- Earned over $550M in salary from 2002 to 2023
- Signed $400M+ contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2025
- Nike, Armani, Castrol deals contributed $175M+ in endorsements
- Owns a 15% share in Al-Nassr, boosting earnings
- Joins elite group of billionaire athletes like Jordan and Federer
- Says he’s still passionate, not ready to retire
Deep Look: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, has now achieved a financial milestone no other footballer has reached before—official billionaire status. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon’s estimated net worth has climbed to a staggering $1.4 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest athletes of all time.
Ronaldo’s financial rise has been driven by decades of elite performance on the pitch, as well as shrewd business moves off of it. In June 2025, he inked a lucrative new deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, reportedly worth over $400 million—one of the biggest contracts in sports history.
Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, much of it during his time with global clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His financial portfolio has been significantly strengthened by endorsement deals, most notably his decade-long partnership with Nike, valued at nearly $18 million per year.
Beyond Nike, Ronaldo has endorsed a suite of global brands including Armani, Castrol, and others, with endorsements alone contributing over $175 million to his wealth. He’s also diversified his income with entrepreneurial ventures in fashion, fitness, hospitality, and fragrance.
His move to Al-Nassr in 2023 from Manchester United was already historic, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world with a then-annual salary of £177 million ($237.52 million). The deal also included bonuses and a 15% ownership stake in the Saudi club—further cementing his status as a savvy investor as well as a player.
In comparison, Argentina star Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary during his career, putting him close but still behind Ronaldo in net worth.
Ronaldo’s billionaire status now places him in an exclusive club of athlete-entrepreneurs. He joins global sports legends like:
- Michael Jordan (basketball)
- Magic Johnson (basketball)
- LeBron James (basketball)
- Tiger Woods (golf)
- Roger Federer (tennis)
While some might expect this milestone to signal a farewell from the sport, Ronaldo isn’t planning to hang up his boots anytime soon. Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes Gala on Tuesday, he revealed he still feels driven by passion and purpose.
“I still have a passion for this,” Ronaldo said. “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.”
He added that he continues to make valuable contributions to both his club and the Portugal national team and sees no reason to stop just yet.
“I’m still producing good things. I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not continue?” he asked. “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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s story continues to evolve—not just as a world-class athlete, but now as a global business mogul and brand in his own right. From Madeira to Madrid, Manchester to Riyadh, and now into the billionaires’ club—his journey remains unparalleled in football history.
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