First footballer billionaire: Cristiano Ronaldo Hits $1.4bn Net Worth
First footballer billionaire, Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially joined the exclusive ranks of the world’s wealthiest athletes. Specifically, the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index valued the Portugal great’s net worth at an estimated $1.4 billion. This financial milestone confirms Ronaldo’s status among a small group of athlete billionaires. Consequently, he joins greats like basketball stars Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson. Moreover, golfer Tiger Woods and tennis legend Roger Federer also belong to this elite club. The 40-year-old striker’s fortune greatly increased following a lucrative new contract. Therefore, Ronaldo signed a deal with Saudi side Al-Nassr in June. Reportedly, this two-year deal is worth more than $400 million in tax-free earnings.
Ronaldo has certainly built his wealth over a decorated career. According to Bloomberg, he earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023. This income covers his time playing at top European clubs. Additionally, he benefited from massive endorsement deals. For instance, a decade-long Nike deal alone is worth nearly $18 million annually. Furthermore, sponsorships with brands like Castrol and Armani added more than $175 million to his total fortune. His 2023 move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United instantly made him football’s highest-paid player. At that time, his annual salary reached a huge £177 million ($358 million). He also reportedly secured a 15% share in the Saudi Arabia club.
Conversely, his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, boasts different career earnings. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary during his career. Nevertheless, this figure does not push Messi to the billionaire level yet. Furthermore, his current salary only represents a small fraction of Ronaldo’s. However, Messi is set to receive a stake in Inter Miami upon his retirement. Meanwhile, Ronaldo suggests he has no plans to quit soon. He recently shared his enduring passion for the sport.
Specifically, he spoke at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday. He explained, “I still have a passion for this,” emphasizing his continued commitment. Furthermore, his family often asks why he continues playing. They question his pursuit of 1,000 goals when he has already scored 900-something. Yet, Ronaldo feels different inside. He asserts, “I’m still producing good things,” and helps both his club and the national team. Therefore, he sees no reason to stop playing. Consequently, the first footballer billionaire commits to enjoying his final playing years to the fullest. He vows to retire fulfilled after giving everything to the game.
