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Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved yet another record, but this time, it’s off the pitch. According to the latest report by Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the Portuguese football legend has officially become the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s wealthiest individuals, has listed Ronaldo for the first time, measuring his fortune based on career earnings, investments, and global brand endorsements.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire football player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanks to a huge Saudi deal in the twilight of his career.
Here’s how his wealth stacks up: https://t.co/eW1MTtJBPp
📷: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/Ve3abAXz0e— Bloomberg (@business) October 8, 2025
From Madeira to a Billion-Dollar Empire
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has earned more than $550 million (£410 million) in salary since his professional debut in 2002, spanning clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. However, his off-field ventures have been equally lucrative.
Ronaldo’s long-term partnership with Nike, reportedly worth $18 million (£13.4 million) annually, along with brand deals with Clear, Herbalife, and Binance, have helped him amass extraordinary wealth. His CR7 brand, which includes hotels, fragrances, and fashion lines, has evolved into a global lifestyle empire.
Record-Breaking Contract in Saudi Arabia
When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022, he made headlines with what was then the most lucrative contract in football history. Earning a staggering £177 million ($225 million) per year, he became the world’s highest-paid athlete.
Bloomberg now reports that Ronaldo has extended his stay with Al-Nassr until beyond his 42nd birthday under a new two-year deal worth more than $400 million (£298 million). This massive renewal cements his position not just as one of football’s greatest players, but also its most successful businessman.
Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Financial Rivalry Continues
For decades, fans have debated who’s the greatest, Ronaldo or Messi. Financially, Bloomberg data puts Ronaldo ahead. The report estimates Lionel Messi’s career earnings at over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary, with a $20 million (£15 million) annual deal at Inter Miami since 2023, only about 10% of Ronaldo’s current income.
However, Messi’s post-retirement deal includes a stake in Inter Miami, which could boost his future net worth.
A Billionaire Beyond Football
From humble beginnings in Madeira to global stardom, Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise to becoming football’s first billionaire is a testament to his unmatched discipline, brand power, and longevity. Whether on or off the pitch, CR7 continues to rewrite the rules of success, proving he’s not just one of the greatest athletes ever, but also one of the most influential figures in global business.
