The Bloomberg Billionaires Index crowned Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, as the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, with a net worth of $1.4 billion. His June 2025 Al-Nassr contract, reportedly worth over $400 million, propelled him to this elite group. Joining basketball icons Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods, and tennis star Roger Federer, Ronaldo’s wealth stems from a diverse range of sources.
Bloomberg reports Ronaldo earned $550 million in salaries from 2002 to 2023. His decade-long Nike deal adds $18 million annually, while endorsements with Armani and Castrol contribute over $175 million. His 2023 move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United, with a $237.52 million annual salary plus bonuses and a 15% club share, made him football’s highest-paid player.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire player with a huge Saudi deal in the twilight of his career@SofiaHCBBG explains how he became one of the world’s wealthiest athletes https://t.co/reXV4CWHaD pic.twitter.com/0XId7qtJm6
— Bloomberg (@business) October 8, 2025By comparison, Lionel Messi earned over $600 million pre-tax in his career, yet trails Ronaldo’s billionaire mark.
At the Portugal Football Globes gala on October 7, Ronaldo dismissed retirement talk. “I still have passion,” he said. “My family asks why I aim for 1,000 goals after 900-something. I’m helping my club and national team. Why stop?” He plans to savour his remaining years on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s billionaire status underscores his global influence beyond the football field. His financial success, driven by strategic deals, sets a new benchmark for athletes. As he continues playing, his legacy grows.
