Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index report. His net worth now stands at $1.4 billion, as his income has soared drastically since 2020. Other sportspersons who have reached the billionaire status are Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James in basketball. Golfer Tiger Woods and tennis player Roger Federer have also hit the billionaire status.
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How Cristiano Ronaldo Built His Billionaire Fortune
Rolando’s billionaire status came after he signed a contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr FC for more than $400 million. In addition, the Portuguese footballer earned around $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023.
He also received $18 million annually for his decade-long deal with sports giant Nike. Ronaldo’s other lucrative payments came from endorsements with Armani and Castrol, among others. All of these added another $175 million to his overall fortune by 2025.
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The 40-year-old striker moved from his previous football club, Manchester United, to Al-Nassr in 2023. His first deal at that time was $237.52 million, along with bonuses and a 15% share in Saudi Arabia’s club. His fortune is expected to grow further as Ronaldo recently revealed that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Portugal’s top star said that football is his passion and he does not do it for the money. “I still have a passion for this. My family says it’s time to quit, and they ask me why I want to score 1000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something. But I don’t think that way inside,” said Ronaldo at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday.
“I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not continue? I am sure that when I finish, I will leave full because I gave everything of myself. I know I don’t have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest,” Ronaldo summed it up.
