Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first billionaire soccer player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Ronaldo, who has played for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus, reached the milestone largely due to his record-breaking contracts and global endorsements. His move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January 2023 made him the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual salary estimated at $200 million, as reported by Saudi state media.
In June 2025, the 40-year-old forward extended his stay with Al Nassr, signing a two-year deal worth over $400 million in tax-free earnings — a contract that pushed his net worth to $1.4 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Beyond his salary, Ronaldo’s vast income streams include a 10-year deal with Nike valued at nearly $18 million annually, and sponsorships with global brands such as Armani and Castrol, collectively adding more than $175 million to his fortune.
He has also built an impressive real estate portfolio and invested in several ventures across Portugal, Spain, and beyond.
Ronaldo now joins the elite ranks of Michael Jordan and Roger Federer — both billionaire athletes who leveraged their sporting success into business empires. Jordan’s fortune largely stems from his Nike partnership and former ownership of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, while Federer’s wealth was boosted by his stake in Swiss sportswear brand On.
As Ronaldo nears the end of his illustrious career, he has expressed ambitions beyond the pitch — particularly in football club ownership.
“If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO?” he told Portugal’s Canal 11 earlier this year. “This is my dream, and I’m sure I’ll get there. In fact, I hope to own not just one club — but several.”
