Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire, driven by his record-breaking Al Nassr contracts and global business ventures.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The 40-year-old’s net worth has soared to about US$1.4 billion following a two-year contract extension with Saudi club Al Nassr, reportedly worth over US$400 million in tax-free earnings.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023, already earned a record US$200 million annually, making him the world’s highest-paid player. His wealth is further boosted by lucrative sponsorships — including a decade-long Nike deal and endorsements with Armani and Castrol — along with real estate and business investments across Europe.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner now joins billionaire athletes like Michael Jordan and Roger Federer. As he nears retirement, Ronaldo hinted at plans to own football clubs, saying, “If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager or CEO? This is my dream and I’m sure I’ll get there.”