Cristiano Ronaldo has formally turn out to be the primary footballer to succeed in billionaire standing, following a profitable contract extension with Saudi Arabian membership Al-Nassr.
The Portuguese ahead, now 40, has amassed an estimated internet value of $1.4 billion, making him one of many wealthiest athletes in historical past, in response to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Ronaldo’s rise to billionaire standing is pushed largely by his record-breaking contract in Saudi Arabia, reportedly valued at over $400 million.
Signed in June 2025, the deal is believed to be among the many highest-paying sports activities contracts globally. His earnings embody tax-free salaries, efficiency bonuses, and different advantages resembling entry to a personal jet and an fairness stake in Al-Nassr.
The footballer’s present fortune combines over 20 years {of professional} earnings, endorsements, and investments. Bloomberg’s valuation displays Ronaldo’s profession salaries, sponsorships with world manufacturers like Nike and Armani, and enterprise ventures underneath the CR7 model. The report additionally adjusted for taxes and market efficiency.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in 2023 marked a monetary turning level in his profession. Whereas many questioned his resolution to go away European soccer, the switch proved transformative, giving him the best common annual pay for a footballer and inserting him among the many world’s richest athletes. Saudi Arabia’s tax-free revenue coverage additional boosted his internet earnings.
Ronaldo, who started his profession with Sporting Lisbon earlier than shifting to Manchester United in 2003 and Actual Madrid in 2009, has earned greater than $550 million in salaries throughout his profession. His long-term endorsement with Nike, value almost $18 million yearly, and different offers with Armani and Castrol, have added over $175 million to his wealth.
Born right into a modest household in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo’s journey from poverty to world stardom has been marked by constant ambition and self-discipline. The island now options landmarks devoted to him, together with the Cristiano Ronaldo Worldwide Airport and the CR7 Museum.
Ronaldo’s investments, managed by Lisbon-based LMcapital Wealth Administration, span hospitality, health, and media. His portfolio contains the Pestana CR7 Resort chain, a gymnasium franchise, and actual property properties in Lisbon, Madeira, and the luxurious resort space of Quinta da Marinha. His newest property there, reportedly value €20 million, has drawn vital native consideration.
Ronaldo’s affect extends past sport. With greater than 660 million Instagram followers, he stays the most-followed particular person globally, an element that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader technique to make use of high-profile athletes to advertise its picture and tourism.
His presence within the Saudi Professional League has elevated worldwide visibility for the league, although match attendance has fluctuated since his arrival.
Ronaldo joins a small group of billionaire athletes, together with basketball legend Michael Jordan and tennis icon Roger Federer. Nevertheless, in contrast to them, most of Ronaldo’s wealth stems from direct pay moderately than fairness or enterprise stakes.
The footballer has expressed plans to retire at Al-Nassr and pursue membership possession, following within the footsteps of former teammate David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami. His reported 15% possession stake in Al-Nassr marks step one towards that objective, as he cements each his sporting and monetary legacy.
