Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player

Published: 08 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In a landmark achievement for the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the sport’s first billionaire player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worth of the globe’s wealthiest individuals. This recognition not only highlights Ronaldo’s enduring success on the pitch but also underscores the financial acumen that has allowed him to amass wealth beyond the reach of any other footballer in history.

At 40 years old, the Portuguese superstar, currently playing as a forward for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, now boasts a net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). This figure reflects a cumulative evaluation of his career earnings, lucrative endorsements, and strategic investments. Bloomberg’s analysis shows that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned more than $550 million (£410 million) solely in salaries, while his sponsorship and endorsement deals have contributed substantially to his fortune. Among these, a decade-long partnership with Nike has reportedly provided him with nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually.

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in 2022 marked another milestone in his financial journey, as he reportedly became the highest-paid footballer in history with an annual salary of £177 million. Initially, his contract was set to conclude in June 2025; however, he extended his tenure by signing a new two-year deal, reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million). This ensures that Ronaldo will remain active in professional football beyond his 42nd birthday, a testament to both his longevity and global appeal.

While Ronaldo now leads in total net worth, comparisons with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, illustrate the extraordinary scale of modern football earnings. According to Bloomberg, the 38-year-old Argentine forward, who has faced Ronaldo in numerous high-profile matches during their time in Spain, has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary throughout his career. Since 2023, Messi’s guaranteed annual salary of $20 million (£15 million) represents roughly a tenth of Ronaldo’s income during the same period. Messi’s current engagement with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer includes not only his salary but also the potential to gain a stake in the club upon retirement, signaling a continuation of wealth accumulation off the pitch.

Ronaldo’s financial success reflects the convergence of sporting excellence, branding, and business strategy. Beyond matchday earnings, his savvy management of sponsorships and investments has ensured a lasting legacy that transcends football itself. From high-profile endorsements with multinational brands to entrepreneurial ventures in fashion, fitness, and hospitality, Ronaldo has leveraged his global image to maximize his financial footprint.

The journey to becoming the first billionaire footballer underscores not only individual brilliance but also the escalating economic landscape of modern sports. Clubs, media rights, merchandising, and sponsorships have transformed football into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, creating unprecedented opportunities for elite players. Ronaldo’s achievement exemplifies how on-field success, coupled with strategic off-field endeavors, can culminate in historic milestones.

As the football world celebrates Ronaldo’s milestone, the comparison with Messi adds context to the competitive yet lucrative nature of the sport. Both players have dominated a generation, not only through their skill and dedication but also by redefining the financial possibilities available to professional athletes. While Messi continues to accumulate wealth and influence through Inter Miami, Ronaldo’s entry into billionaire status sets a new benchmark for footballers worldwide.

This milestone also raises broader reflections on the evolving economics of football. Player salaries and endorsements now reach stratospheric levels, reflecting the global commercialization of the sport. From European leagues to emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, footballers can secure financial legacies that extend well beyond their playing years. Ronaldo’s career demonstrates how talent, branding, and business insight converge to create historic achievements in both sport and finance.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s designation as football’s first billionaire marks a defining moment, not only for the player himself but also for the sport as a whole. It highlights how excellence on the field, combined with strategic management off it, can achieve extraordinary success. His journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide, illustrating that with dedication, skill, and vision, boundaries in both sport and business can be pushed further than ever before.