Lisbon: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the billionaire club, becoming the first player in football history to achieve a net worth exceeding $1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The milestone follows his record-breaking contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, which has made him the highest-paid athlete in the sport’s history.
Record-breaking contract with Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League in January 2023 marked a turning point in his career and finances. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly earns an annual salary of around $200 million from Al Nassr. In June 2025, the 40-year-old forward signed an extension with the club — a two-year contract worth more than $400 million in tax-free earnings, further boosting his financial empire.
According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s total net worth now stands at an estimated $1.4 billion, placing him among a select group of billionaire athletes globally. His earnings combine football contracts, sponsorship deals, and business ventures that span several continents.
A legacy of global endorsements and investments
Beyond his on-field achievements, Ronaldo’s brand power has made him one of the world’s most marketable athletes. His decade-long endorsement deal with Nike reportedly brings in nearly $18 million annually. Additional partnerships with global brands such as Armani, Castrol, Clear, and Herbalife have contributed to over $175 million of his overall wealth.
Ronaldo has also built a significant business portfolio, investing in real estate, hotels, gyms, and fashion lines across Portugal, Spain, and beyond. His lifestyle brand, “CR7,” encompasses clothing, fragrances, and luxury footwear, all of which have strengthened his position as a global entrepreneur.
Joining the billionaire athletes’ elite club
The Portuguese superstar now joins an exclusive list of billionaire athletes that includes basketball legend Michael Jordan and tennis icon Roger Federer. Federer reached billionaire status largely through his stake in the Swiss athletic footwear company On and a $300 million deal with Uniqlo, while Jordan amassed his fortune through his partnership with Nike and ownership of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
Ronaldo’s financial ascent represents a landmark for football — a sport long dominated by high salaries but rarely seeing players reach billionaire status during their careers. His achievement underscores the growing financial influence of footballers in global sports and entertainment.
Looking ahead: From player to potential club owner
As Ronaldo nears the twilight of his playing career, he has hinted at ambitions beyond the pitch. In an interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11 earlier this year, he expressed his desire to own a football club. “If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO?” he said. “This is my dream and I’m sure I’ll get there. I hope to not only have one club but to own several.”
With his unmatched global brand, entrepreneurial ventures, and now billionaire status, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to redefine success in modern football — both on and off the field.