By Amofokhai Williams
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to cross the billionaire threshold, with his net worth estimated at US $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
At 40 years old, the Portuguese star’s financial ascent is fuelled in large part by a blockbuster deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The contract, which reportedly exceeded $400 million, includes bonuses, favorable tax arrangements, and additional club equity incentives.
Over his career, Ronaldo’s income from football salaries alone is estimated at more than $550 million between 2002 and 2023.
Endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Armani, and Castrol have added over $175 million to his wealth.
When he joined Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo became among the highest-paid players in world football, reportedly earning about £177 million annually (circa $237.5 million), plus bonuses and a 15 percent stake in the club.
This achievement places Ronaldo among an exclusive class of billionaire athletes, such as basketball icons Michael Jordan and LeBron James, tennis legend Roger Federer, and golf’s Tiger Woods.
However, what sets Ronaldo apart is that much of his wealth is derived directly from football contracts and endorsements, rather than purely from off-field ventures.
Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo has publicly affirmed that he still feels passionate about playing. At a recent event, he said he intends to make the most of the remaining years of his career, continuing to contribute to both his club and Portugal’s national team.
Ronalo’s rival, Lionel Messi has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary over his career, according to Bloomberg’s wealth index, including $20 million in guaranteed annual pay since 2023.
He also reportedly has a revenue-sharing deal with Apple. Messi’s guaranteed pay over the last two seasons is only about a tenth of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.
Both players have benefited from significant pay inflation, far exceeding the lifetime earnings of previous stars like David Beckham, who earned around $100 million before retiring in 2013.
