Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer to Join Billionaire Club

File Source: Google

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another historic milestone — becoming the first footballer to officially attain billionaire status.

According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward’s net worth has been estimated at an impressive $1.4 billion, placing him among a select group of global sports icons such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.

Ronaldo’s financial rise has been fueled by a combination of record-breaking contracts, sponsorship deals, and long-term brand partnerships. His recent contract extension with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, reportedly valued at over $400 million, has significantly boosted his wealth.

Bloomberg reports that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner earned more than $550 million in career salary between 2002 and 2023, alongside a decade-long Nike endorsement worth nearly $18 million annually. Additional deals with brands such as Armani and Castrol have added another $175 million to his fortune.

Since joining Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2023, Ronaldo has remained the highest-paid player in football history, earning around £177 million ($237 million) per year, with performance bonuses and a 15 percent club revenue share further padding his income.

Despite reaching the billionaire threshold, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala, he reaffirmed his passion for the game: “I still have a passion for this. My family says it’s time to quit, but I don’t think that way. I’m still producing good things and helping my club and the national team. When I finish, I’ll leave full because I gave everything. Until then, I’ll enjoy every moment.”

Ronaldo’s milestone underscores not only his on-field brilliance but also his enduring global brand power — a legacy that extends far beyond football.