Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire player, according to Bloomberg, which tracks the world’s richest individuals.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index valued the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s net worth at $1.4bn (£1.04bn), including career earnings, endorsements, and investments.
Ronaldo reportedly earned more than $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, with sponsorships such as a decade-long Nike deal paying nearly $18m (£13.4m) per year.
Joining Al-Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo became the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m. His initial contract ended in June 2025, but he signed a new two-year deal reportedly worth more than $400m (£298m), keeping him at the club past his 42nd birthday.
Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime rival in Spain, has earned more than $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career.
Since 2023, Messi has made $20m (£15m) annually, roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s income for the same period. Upon retirement, Messi is set to receive a stake in Inter Miami.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment