Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has made history once again — this time off the pitch — by becoming the first billionaire in football history. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 39-year-old superstar’s net worth has reached an estimated $1.4 billion, marking a monumental milestone in the world of sports and entertainment.
The achievement comes after Ronaldo’s lucrative two-year contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signed in June. The deal, valued at over $400 million, includes not only salary and performance bonuses but also equity stakes and commercial incentives, significantly boosting his financial portfolio.
Ronaldo’s extraordinary wealth is the result of more than two decades of dominance in global football, beginning with his professional debut in 2002. Beyond his on-field earnings, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has built a vast business empire through endorsement deals with global brands like Nike, lifetime sponsorships, and successful ventures in hospitality and fashion. His CR7 brand, which includes hotels, fragrances, and apparel lines, has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
The football icon’s net worth now surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has also amassed significant wealth through his contracts with Inter Miami and major sponsorships but remains just short of the billion-dollar mark.
Ronaldo’s billionaire status not only highlights his exceptional career longevity but also cements his position as one of the most marketable and influential athletes in history. From humble beginnings in Madeira to global superstardom, the Portuguese forward continues to redefine success both on and off the field.
