Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first soccer player to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The 40-year-old forward’s historic achievement comes during his stint with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where his lucrative contracts have dramatically boosted his net worth.
Al Nassr Deal Makes History
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023, becoming the highest-paid soccer player in history with an annual salary of around $200 million. In June 2025, he signed a two-year extension reportedly worth over $400 million in tax-free earnings, pushing his total net worth to $1.4 billion.
Endorsements and Investments Add Millions
Ronaldo’s billionaire status is not solely from his playing contract. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner earns nearly $18 million annually from a decade-long Nike deal. He also has lucrative sponsorships with Armani, Castrol, and other global brands, contributing over $175 million to his wealth.
Beyond endorsements, Ronaldo has invested heavily in real estate and businesses across Portugal, Spain, and other countries, further strengthening his financial empire.
Joining the Elite Billionaire Athletes Club
With this milestone, Ronaldo joins basketball legend Michael Jordan and tennis superstar Roger Federer among the rarefied group of billionaire athletes. Federer largely achieved his status through a stake in Swiss sportswear brand On and a $300 million deal with Uniqlo, while Jordan built his fortune through Nike endorsements and majority ownership of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
Future Plans: Club Ownership
Looking ahead, Ronaldo has hinted at ambitions beyond his playing career. In an interview with Portuguese channel Canal 11, he stated:
“If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO? This is my dream… I hope to not only have one club but to own several clubs.”
As Ronaldo approaches retirement, his eye on club ownership signals that his influence on football—and his fortune—may continue to grow.
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