Report: Ronaldo becomes first active footballer to reach billionaire status

Cristiano Ronaldo has been valued as the first active footballer to become a billionaire, according to Bloomberg. 

According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worths of the world’s richest individuals, Ronaldo’s wealth is estimated at around $1.4 billion.

The index added that the 40-year-old’s net worth was calculated using contract earnings, investment portfolio and endorsement deals.

“Ronaldo earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023,” the report reads.

“He also signed a decade-long Nike deal for nearly $18 million annually and other endorsements with brands like Armani and Castrol, adding over $175 million to his net worth.

“His 2023 transfer to Al-Nassr earned him around $200 million yearly in tax-free salary and bonuses, plus perks including a $30 million signing bonus.”

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2022. He initially penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

The Portuguese then renewed his contract with Al-Nassr in 2025 with a two-year deal reportedly worth more than $400 million.

According to Bloomberg, Lionel Messi places second behind Ronaldo and has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary over his career.

“He [Messi] also reportedly has a revenue-sharing deal with Apple. Messi’s guaranteed pay over the last two seasons is only about a tenth of Ronaldo’s income during the same period. Both players have benefited from significant pay inflation, far exceeding the lifetime earnings of previous stars like David Beckham, who earned around $100 million before retiring in 2013.”