Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer, according to recent reports, marking a milestone in the sport’s financial history. The Portugal legend has seen his net worth soar to approximately $1.4 billion, as estimated by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, following a lucrative Al-Nassr contract valued at over $400 million.
Ronaldo’s wealth is not built on this contract alone. Between 2002 and 2023, he earned more than $550 million in salaries during his spells at top European clubs. He also secured high-value endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Armani, and Castrol that contributed more than $175 million to his fortune. His Al-Nassr deal reportedly includes equity, bonuses, and performance incentives that push his earnings well beyond just wages.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations by performing at a high level while simultaneously growing his brand empire. His contract made him one of the highest-paid athletes ever, and it solidified his transition from top-earning player to global business icon.
Beyond football and endorsements, Ronaldo invests in ventures under his CR7 brand: fashion, hospitality, wellness, and more. These business interests are helping to anchor and diversify his wealth so that his fortune does not rely solely on athletic performance.
It’s a landmark moment—not only for Ronaldo personally, but for football as a whole. His elevation to billionaire status sets a new benchmark in a sport historically defined by its millions. Analysts expect the impact to ripple across how clubs negotiate contracts, how players build off-field revenue, and how future generations approach career longevity—on and off the pitch.
Ronaldo himself has said he still maintains strong motivation. “I still have passion,” he remarked at a recent gala, underlining that while financial success is extraordinary, the love for the game remains central.
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