By Emmanuel Kwada
In a testament to his enduring prowess both on and off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name into the annals of sports history as the first active footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The Portuguese superstar’s net worth now stands at an eye-watering $1.4 billion, a milestone propelled by a groundbreaking contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr that has redefined the financial landscape of global soccer.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo – widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time with five Ballon d’Or awards and a record 900-plus career goals – continues to defy the odds.
His ascent to billionaire ranks, first tracked by Bloomberg on October 8, marks a dramatic leap from earlier estimates, underscoring the explosive impact of his move to the Saudi Pro League in late 2022.
That initial deal, worth a staggering €500 million over 2.5 years, already made him the highest-paid athlete in the world. But it was the June 2025 extension – reportedly valued at over $400 million through June 2027 – that sealed his entry into the elite club of ultra-wealthy sports icons.
This isn’t just about playing football; it’s about building a legacy that transcends the game
The new agreement, which includes a tax-free salary exceeding $200 million annually, performance bonuses, a $30 million signing bonus, equity stakes in Al-Nassr, and perks like private jet access, has catapulted Ronaldo’s earnings into uncharted territory.
“This isn’t just about playing football; it’s about building a legacy that transcends the game,” Ronaldo posted on his Instagram account, where he boasts over 660 million followers – the most of any individual on the platform.
The deal not only extends his stay in Riyadh but also positions him to surpass $2 billion in lifetime earnings before retirement, a figure no other footballer has approached.
Ronaldo’s wealth is a multifaceted empire far beyond matchday heroics. Bloomberg’s valuation accounts for over $550 million in pre-tax salary from 2002 to 2023 across stints at Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, augmented by savvy investments and endorsements.
His lifetime Nike deal, renewed in 2016 and worth nearly $1 billion over its duration, alone generates about $18 million annually. Additional partnerships with brands like Armani, Clear, and Herbalife, combined with his CR7 line of clothing, hotels, gyms, and fragrances, have turned his personal brand into a revenue juggernaut. Real estate holdings, including a €20 million estate in Lisbon’s Quinta da Marinha golf resort and a portfolio of luxury properties worldwide, further bolster his portfolio.
Ronaldo’s path shows how the Middle East is reshaping sports economics
This achievement comes amid a friendly rivalry with Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime counterpart, whose net worth hovers around $650 million.
While Messi has thrived in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami – including a potential post-retirement stake in the club – Ronaldo’s Saudi windfall has widened the gap. “Ronaldo’s path shows how the Middle East is reshaping sports economics,” said sports finance analyst Sarah Klein of Deloitte.
“It’s not just salary; it’s the ecosystem of tax advantages and global branding that makes this possible.”
Ronaldo’s journey from a modest upbringing in Madeira, Portugal, to global icon has been marked by relentless ambition. “Family asked me to stop, but I want 1,000 goals,” he recently told reporters, hinting at his drive to extend his career.
Yet, as he eyes the 2026 World Cup, questions linger about the long-term optics of Saudi investments in sports, including human rights concerns tied to the kingdom. Ronaldo has dismissed critics, framing his move as a “new challenge” after conquering Europe.
It’s not just salary; it’s the ecosystem of tax advantages and global branding that makes this possible
For now, though, the numbers speak volumes. As the first soccer player to crack Bloomberg’s billionaire list – joining the likes of retired tennis star Roger Federer ($550 million) and NBA legend Michael Jordan ($3 billion) – Ronaldo’s story is one of reinvention in the twilight of his career. With Al-Nassr leading the Saudi Pro League and Portugal’s national team eyeing international glory, the man known as “CR7” shows no signs of slowing down.
In a world where athletes increasingly blur the lines between sports and business, Ronaldo isn’t just playing the game – he’s rewriting the rules.
