Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player, according to financial data compiled by Bloomberg.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s wealthiest individuals, has assessed the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr forward’s fortune for the first time, estimating his net worth at $1.4bn (£1.04bn).
The figure includes Ronaldo’s career earnings, sponsorship deals and investments. Bloomberg reports he earned over $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, alongside lucrative endorsements such as his decade-long partnership with Nike, worth nearly $18m (£13.4m) annually.
Ronaldo became the highest-paid footballer in history when he joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2022 on a deal worth £177m per year.
Earlier this year, he extended his contract by two more seasons — reportedly valued at more than $400m (£298m) — keeping him at the club past his 42nd birthday.
Bloomberg also noted that Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival and current Inter Miami star, has earned over $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary throughout his career.
The 38-year-old Argentine earns around $20m (£15m) annually — roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s recent income — and is set to receive a stake in Inter Miami upon retirement.
