Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which for the first time has measured the Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s wealth.
The index values the 40-year-old icon’s net worth at $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion) — making him not just one of the most successful athletes of all time, but also one of the richest.
Bloomberg’s valuation considers career earnings, business investments, and global endorsement deals. Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo reportedly earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salary alone, while also securing lucrative brand partnerships, including his decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) per year.
When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League in 2022, he became the highest-paid player in football history, earning around £177 million annually.
Though his initial contract was set to expire in June 2025, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has since signed a two-year extension reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million) — keeping him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
Meanwhile, his long-time rival Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami, has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary throughout his career. However, Bloomberg notes that Messi’s annual $20 million (£15 million) pay since 2023 is only about 10% of Ronaldo’s earnings over the same period.
Ronaldo’s billionaire milestone cements his legacy not just as one of football’s greatest players — but also as a global business powerhouse, with an empire spanning sports, fashion, real estate, and hospitality.
