Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire player, according to financial information and media firm Bloomberg.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s richest individuals based on their net worth, has measured the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s wealth for the first time.
The valuation considers career earnings, investments, and endorsements, declaring Ronaldo’s net worth to be $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). It states he earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salary between 2002 and 2023, detailing his reported earnings through deals and sponsorships, including a decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) per year.
When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022, he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177 million. His contract was set to expire in June 2025, but he signed a new two-year deal—reportedly worth over $400 million (£298 million)—which will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who played against Ronaldo for many years during their time in Spain, has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary throughout his career, according to Bloomberg. This includes $20 million (£15 million) in guaranteed annual pay since 2023, which constitutes about 10 per cent of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.
