Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the billionaire club, becoming the first footballer in history to do so, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which estimates his net worth at an incredible $1.4 billion.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain, currently playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, continues to break records both on and off the pitch. His financial rise follows a new contract signed in June, reportedly worth over $400 million, cementing his position as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Bloomberg’s report revealed that Ronaldo earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, in addition to a long-term Nike deal worth nearly $18 million a year, and lucrative partnerships with brands such as Armani, Castrol, and others, which contributed over $175 million to his fortune.
His 2023 transfer from Manchester United to Al-Nassr made global headlines and made him the highest-paid footballer ever, earning £177 million ($237 million) annually, along with bonuses and a reported 15% share in the Saudi club.
Ronaldo now joins an elite group of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.
Despite his immense wealth and career milestones, Ronaldo says he has no plans to retire just yet.
“I still have a passion for this,” he said at the Portugal Football Globes gala this week.
“My family says it’s time to quit, but I’m still producing good things, helping my club and my national team. I know I don’t have many years left, but I want to enjoy them to the fullest.”