KEY POINTS
- Ronald’s recent $400 million contract extension with Al-Nassr played a major role in this financial milestone.
- Ronaldo earned over $550 million in salary and amassed millions more through endorsements and brand deals.
- Ronaldo dismisses retirement talks, vowing to keep playing as long as he contributes.
LISBON, Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in history to join the billionaire club, according to a new report from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which pegs the Portuguese icon’s net worth at an estimated $1.4 billion.
The financial milestone comes after the 40-year-old striker signed a renewed, record-breaking contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in June, reportedly worth over $400 million.
This deal further cements Ronaldo’s status not only as a sporting legend but as one of the world’s most marketable and highest-earning athletes.
Bloomberg reports that Ronaldo amassed more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, and secured an additional windfall through a decade-long Nike contract valued at nearly $18 million annually.
Endorsement deals with major brands like Armani and Castrol have contributed an estimated $175 million more to his fortune.
His initial move to Al-Nassr in 2023 — following a sensational departure from Manchester United — already made him the highest-paid footballer in history, earning £177 million ($237.5 million) annually, along with bonuses and a reported 15% equity share in the club.
With this achievement, Ronaldo joins an elite list of billionaire athletes, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.
Despite hitting 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has no immediate plans to retire. Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday, Ronaldo dismissed retirement speculation.
“My family says it’s time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something,” he said. “But I don’t think that way inside. I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not continue?”
“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.”
Ronaldo’s footballing rival, Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary during his career, but has yet to cross the billionaire threshold, according to Bloomberg.
As Ronaldo continues to break records on and off the pitch, his financial and athletic legacy appears firmly sealed.
