Ronaldo is the first football player to become a billionaire
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached yet another historic milestone, becoming the first footballer in history to attain a billionaire status, Bloomberg has reported.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s richest individuals based on verified net worth, has officially listed the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).
It marks the first time a professional footballer has been valued at that level, underlining Ronaldo’s unparalleled commercial power and longevity at the top of the sport.
The valuation factors in Ronaldo’s career earnings, sponsorship deals, and extensive investments, painting a picture of an athlete who has transcended football to become a global business guru.
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Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo reportedly earned over $550 million (£410m) in salaries alone, spanning stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr.
Off the pitch, he has built one of the most valuable athlete brands in the world, headlined by a decade-long partnership with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4m) annually, alongside deals with Herbalife, Binance, and his personal CR7 brand ventures.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr in 2022 further transformed his earning power.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the highest-paid player in football history, commanding an annual salary of £177 million ($225m).
His recently signed two-year contract extension, reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298m), secures his stay in Saudi Arabia beyond his 42nd birthday and cements his place at the summit of global sports earners.
The Portuguese icon now joins an elite class of billionaire athletes that includes Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Roger Federer.
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