Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football's First Billionaire Athlete

 

Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football's First Billionaire Athlete

Yes, according to a recent report from Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first active footballer (soccer player) to reach billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). This milestone was announced on October 8, 2025, and marks the first time Ronaldo has appeared on the index, which tracks the world's wealthiest individuals based on career earnings, investments, and endorsements.

Key Breakdown of His Wealth

Ronaldo's fortune is driven primarily by his on-field earnings, supplemented by lucrative sponsorships and business ventures. Here's how it stacks up:

Source of WealthEstimated AmountDetails
Playing Salaries (2002–2023)$550 million+Includes stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and early career earnings.
Al-Nassr Contract (2023–present)$400 million+ (new two-year extension in June 2025)Highest-paid athlete annually at ~$237 million/year (tax-free in Saudi Arabia), plus 15% stake in the club.
Endorsements & Sponsorships$175 million+Long-term Nike deal (~$18 million/year), plus partnerships with Armani, Castrol, Binance, Tag Heuer, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton.
Investments & BusinessesUndisclosed (significant portion)Global real estate (e.g., €20 million estate in Portugal), hotels, gyms, and other ventures in Portugal and Spain.


This puts Ronaldo ahead of his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary but does not yet qualify as a billionaire on the index (Messi's wealth is more endorsement-heavy). Ronaldo joins an elite group of athlete-billionaires like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.

Context and Reactions

  • Career Impact: At 40, Ronaldo recently scored a brace in Portugal's 5-0 World Cup qualifier win over Armenia and has no plans to retire soon, aiming for 1,000 career goals despite family urging him to slow down.
  • Public Buzz: On platforms like Reddit, fans noted this feels like an overdue recognition, with some joking Ronaldo has been "billionaire-adjacent" for years due to his Saudi move.

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