Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially reached a monumental milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the first-ever footballer to achieve billionaire status.
As reported in the updated list of the world’s wealthiest individuals by Bloomberg on October 8, 2025, the extensive financial portfolio of the legendary Portuguese striker, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has accumulated to an impressive total of $1.4 billion. This landmark valuation signifies not only a personal triumph for Ronaldo but also a historic moment for the sport itself.
This recognition by Bloomberg marks the first instance a football player’s net worth has officially surpassed the billion-dollar threshold, solidifying Ronaldo’s place as an unprecedented figure in the financial landscape of professional sports.
Bloomberg News further detailed that Ronaldo’s earnings from his football career alone, spanning from 2002 to 2023, exceeded $550 million. This substantial figure is complemented by vast additional income generated through numerous endorsement deals and lucrative partnerships. Among these is a significant 10-year contract with sportswear giant Nike, which alone contributes nearly $18 million annually to his wealth.
His high-profile move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2022 further boosted his financial standing, with reports indicating he secured the highest salary in football history at the time – an astounding €200 million per year, equivalent to approximately $232 million USD. Although his initial contract with Al-Nassr was set to expire in June 2025, Ronaldo opted to sign a new two-year extension, reportedly valued at over $400 million, showcasing his continued market value and ambition.
For context, his long-time rival, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), is reported to have a total net worth of approximately $600 million, highlighting the extraordinary financial achievement of Ronaldo.
