Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in soccer history to join the billionaire ranks, officially entering the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar’s remarkable milestone is largely attributed to his record-breaking contract with Al-Nassr FC, a Saudi Pro League team based in Riyadh. According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s two-year deal is worth over $400 million, tax-free — a sum that catapulted him into the ultra-wealthy elite of global sport.
While many athletes build their fortunes through endorsements, Ronaldo’s wealth stands out for being driven primarily by his football salary, complemented by a lucrative portfolio of brand partnerships and investments.
A native of Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo left school at age 14 to pursue football full-time — a gamble that would redefine modern sports stardom. Over two decades, he has played for Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo has built a powerful personal brand. His CR7 empire spans underwear, footwear, fragrances, and luxury fashion lines. He also maintains endorsement deals with global giants such as Nike, Armani, and Castrol, among others.
With more than 665 million followers on Instagram, Ronaldo remains the most followed person on the platform — a marketing force unmatched in global sports.
Ronaldo’s financial success eclipses that of long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently earns about $135 million annually with Inter Miami CF in the U.S. Major League Soccer, co-owned by David Beckham.
The achievement marks a defining chapter not only in Ronaldo’s illustrious career but also in the evolving economics of global football — where athletic excellence and brand power increasingly converge to create billion-dollar athletes.
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