Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which now estimates his fortune at around $1.4 billion.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain’s immense wealth stems from more than two decades at the top of the sport and a string of lucrative sponsorships and business ventures. His recent contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signed in June 2025, is reportedly worth over $400 million, making it one of the most profitable deals ever secured by an athlete.
Bloomberg’s breakdown shows that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned roughly $550 million in salaries across clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Away from the pitch, he has built a commercial empire — a long-term partnership with Nike valued at nearly $18 million per year, endorsements with brands such as Armani and Castrol, and a wide portfolio of personal ventures ranging from fashion to hospitality.
When he joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2023, his contract made him the highest-paid player in world football, with an annual wage of about £177 million ($237 million) plus performance bonuses and a 15 percent share in the club.
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Ronaldo’s financial rise now puts him in a rare class of athletes whose earnings have crossed the billion-dollar mark — a list that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Magic Johnson.
Despite his age, Ronaldo insists retirement is not yet on his mind. Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday, he said he still feels motivated to play.
“I still have a passion for this,” Ronaldo said. “My family says it’s time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1,000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something. But I don’t think that way inside.” He added that he remains driven by competition and feels he still contributes “good things” to both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo’s current deal keeps him in Saudi Arabia until 2027, giving him at least two more years at the highest level. According to Forbes, he earned roughly $275 million in 2025 alone from salary, bonuses and sponsorships.
With more than 900 career goals, Ronaldo continues to chase a symbolic 1,000-goal milestone while also expanding his CR7 brand through hotels, gyms and lifestyle products. Bloomberg notes that the player has previously expressed interest in owning football clubs once he retires — a move that could extend his influence beyond the field.