Cristiano Ronaldo has added another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career — becoming the first billionaire football player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who has spent over two decades at some of Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, has seen his net worth rise to USD 1.4 billion.
Ronaldo, long known for capitalizing on his global fame with lucrative endorsements for brands such as Armani and Nike, has now entered the elite ranks of the world’s richest athletes. His latest contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signed in June, is reportedly worth more than USD 400 million, propelling his wealth to record heights.
According to Bloomberg, this makes Ronaldo the first footballer ever valued at billionaire status by its index. For years, he and Lionel Messi earned comparable salaries, but their financial paths diverged in 2023 when Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia while Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Although Messi is expected to receive a stake in the US club upon retirement, Ronaldo’s Gulf move has already given him a significant financial edge.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2022, stating that he was seeking “a new challenge” after having “won everything” in Europe. The move, however, secured him one of the largest contracts in football history — including tax-free earnings, private jet privileges, and even an equity stake in the club — marking yet another milestone in a career defined by record-breaking achievements both on and off the pitch.
