Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which now lists the Portuguese forward among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr and Portugal star has been measured by the financial media firm with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), making him not just one of sport’s richest figures but also a global business empire in his own right.
Bloomberg’s evaluation considers Ronaldo’s career earnings, brand endorsements, and business ventures, highlighting the extraordinary financial success that has mirrored his glittering sporting career.
The report estimates that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salary alone. His income has been bolstered by a series of record-breaking transfers, performance bonuses, and global marketing deals that have turned him into one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet.
A career beyond football
Ronaldo’s commercial reach has long stretched far beyond the pitch. The report outlines how lucrative sponsorship deals — most notably a decade-long partnership with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) per year — have been key contributors to his immense wealth.
In addition to his football earnings, the Portuguese icon has invested heavily in real estate, hotels, fitness businesses, and fashion, under his global “CR7” brand. His ventures span luxury hotels in Lisbon and Madrid, a fragrance line, and a growing chain of gyms.
Bloomberg credits his “astute brand management and global marketability” as the reasons for his transition from a high-earning athlete to a billionaire entrepreneur.
Saudi riches cement his status
When Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in December 2022, he reportedly signed the most lucrative contract in football history — a deal worth £177 million per year.
The move, initially met with scepticism from European fans, has since proven financially transformative. Earlier this year, Ronaldo extended his stay in Saudi Arabia with a two-year contract renewal reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the club until after his 42nd birthday.
The deal cements his place as the best-paid footballer in history and ensures that his earnings far outpace those of any active player in the sport.
Rivalry with Messi continues
For much of his career, Ronaldo has been compared to Argentine legend Lionel Messi, both for their performances and their immense global influence.
According to Bloomberg’s data, Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has earned more than $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary over his career — impressive, yet still trailing his long-time rival’s total earnings.
Messi’s current deal in the United States guarantees him around $20 million (£15 million) annually, roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period. However, Bloomberg notes that Messi’s wealth is expected to grow significantly after retirement, as he is set to receive a stake in Inter Miami, adding to his expanding business portfolio that includes his Messi Experience Park and fashion ventures.
A record-breaking legacy
Ronaldo’s billionaire status crowns a two-decade career filled with unprecedented achievements — five Ballon d’Or titles, five Champions League trophies, and over 870 career goals.
His influence extends far beyond football. With more than 650 million followers on Instagram, he is the most followed person in the world on any social media platform, commanding massive fees for advertising and partnerships.
From humble beginnings on the island of Madeira to superstardom at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo has carefully cultivated an image of success built on discipline, ambition, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Now, at 40, as he continues to play and score in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has set yet another benchmark — not on the field this time, but in the world of finance.
As Bloomberg put it “Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer just a footballer — he is a billion-dollar global brand.”
