Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer to Reach Billionaire Status

According to the most recent Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Cristiano Ronaldo is the first football player to become a billionaire. They estimate that the Portuguese star is worth $1.4 billion.

In a historic financial milestone for the sport, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire, according to the latest rankings from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar’s net worth is estimated at US$1.4 billion, propelled by a landmark contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr FC and years of savvy brand development.

From Superstar to Business Mogul

Ronaldo’s financial ascent is built on a dual foundation: exceptional on-field earnings and diversified off-field ventures. Over the span from 2002 to 2023, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly collected more than $550 million in salary from clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United F.C., Real Madrid CF, and Juventus FC. At the same time, lucrative endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Armani, and Castrol have added $175 million or more to his pocket.

His move to Al-Nassr in 2023 marked a dramatic turn in his wealth trajectory. The contract, reportedly worth over $400 million, included favorable tax treatment, massive bonuses, and a reported 15 % equity stake in the club. This deal made him, at the time, the highest-paid athlete in the world. The windfall pushed him beyond the billion-dollar mark, effectively redefining what is financially possible in modern football.

Beyond salary and endorsements, Ronaldo has invested in other business verticals: fashion, fragrance, hospitality, fitness, and real estate. These ventures have long supplemented his income and strengthened his global brand.

New Benchmark in Athlete Wealth

Ronaldo now joins an exclusive circle of billionaire athletes, but with a significant twist: whereas many of his peers like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Roger Federer built their fortunes largely after retiring, Ronaldo achieved this pinnacle while still an active player. His achievement marks a new benchmark in how modern elite athletes can monetize not only their performance but also their brand, equity, and global reach.

At the Portugal football Globe awards (Globo Prestígio Award), Ronaldo addressed the milestone with characteristic confidence. Though his family has urged him to retire, he reaffirmed his drive and passion: “I’m still producing good things … Why not continue?” Despite being in his 40s, he insists he still contributes meaningfully to his club and national team and intends to keep going while he can.

Strategic Move in Changing Football Landscape

Ronaldo’s leap to billionaire status arrives at a moment of seismic transformation in global football—and particularly in the Saudi Pro League. The signing of a star like Ronaldo in 2023 triggered a wave of ambitious moves from Saudi clubs seeking global prestige and legitimacy. The Saudi Pro League has since secured high-profile arrivals from Europe and pledged structural reforms under the country’s broader economic diversification agenda. It also triggered enormous interest for the league from fans around the world, with TV rights being expanded way beyond the region, and Saudi Pro League betting markets expanding on sites for offshore online sports betting.

His contract extension with Al-Nassr through 2027 cements his long-term presence in the region and signals that his legacy there is far from finished. For Saudi Arabian football and global sport at large, Ronaldo’s status as a billionaire may be remembered as a turning point—proof that footballers can transcend the game to build empires while still wearing the boots.