Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first billionaire footballer, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worth of the world’s richest individuals.
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has been listed on the index for the first time, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). Bloomberg’s valuation includes his career earnings, investments, and endorsement deals accumulated over more than two decades in professional football.
Ronaldo has reportedly earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salaries between 2002 and 2023, and his endorsement portfolio — highlighted by a decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually — has significantly boosted his wealth.
Since joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022, Ronaldo has become the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual salary of £177 million. His initial contract, set to expire in June 2025, was recently extended by two more years in a deal reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
For comparison, Lionel Messi — Ronaldo’s long-time rival and current Inter Miami forward — has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salaries during his career. Bloomberg reports that Messi’s annual guaranteed pay since 2023 is around $20 million (£15 million) — roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s income over the same period.
Ronaldo’s latest financial milestone underscores not only his enduring success on the pitch but also his global brand power, built through strategic investments and long-term partnerships with top companies.
Source:Africa Publicity
