Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player. This is according to the latest valuation by financial media giant Bloomberg.
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, now boasts an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), placing him among the world’s richest athletes and the first footballer to achieve billionaire status while still active in the sport.
Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, which tracks the fortunes of the globe’s wealthiest individuals, listed Ronaldo for the first time this week. The assessment factored in his career earnings, business ventures, and endorsement deals, highlighting a legacy that extends far beyond the football pitch.
According to the report, Ronaldo has earned more than $550 million (£410 million) in salary since 2002. His off-field portfolio includes lucrative sponsorships and long-term partnerships, most notably a decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) per year.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s financial ascent accelerated after his move to Saudi Arabia in 2022. His transfer to Al-Nassr made him the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual salary of £177 million, dwarfing the earnings of many global sports stars.
In 2025, Ronaldo extended his Al-Nassr contract by two more years in a deal reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million), ensuring his stay at the club until past his 42nd birthday.
Beyond football, Ronaldo’s wealth is bolstered by investments in luxury real estate, fitness franchises, fashion, and hospitality, including his CR7-branded hotels and gyms. His massive social media influence — with hundreds of millions of followers — continues to amplify his global brand power.
Bloomberg compared Ronaldo’s financial profile with that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, noting that the Argentine and Inter Miami forward has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary during his illustrious career. However, Messi’s guaranteed annual pay since joining Major League Soccer in 2023 — approximately $20 million (£15 million), is just a fraction of Ronaldo’s current income.
With 223 international caps for Portugal, the most in men’s football history, Ronaldo remains a record-breaking athlete on and off the field.
