Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain and Al-Nassr striker has been listed with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
Bloomberg’s assessment factors in Ronaldo’s career earnings, investments, and endorsement deals. The report states he earned more than $550 million (£410 million) in salary between 2002 and 2023, alongside lucrative sponsorships, including a decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2022 marked a new financial high, with his annual salary reported at £177 million, the largest in football history. He has since extended his contract for two more years, a deal reportedly valued at over $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
In comparison, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, has earned more than $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary throughout his career, according to Bloomberg. Despite his immense wealth, Messi’s income over the past two years represents only about 10% of Ronaldo’s during the same period.
Bloomberg’s valuation cements Ronaldo’s legacy not just as one of football’s greatest players, but also as the sport’s first billionaire athlete.
