Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a net worth of $1.4 billion, making him the first footballer to enter the billionaire ranks, according to Bloomberg. The Portuguese star’s wealth surged after signing a $400 million contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, surpassing his long-time rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo’s unexpected move to Al-Nassr in 2023 earned him around $200 million annually and allowed him to overtake Lionel Messi in earnings. The striker, who has played for Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, has also built a substantial fortune through endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Armani, as well, as a large real-estate portfolio.
Bloomberg’s calculations reveal that Ronaldo has amassed a significant portion of his wealth from his football career, which includes winning the UEFA Champions League five times and receiving the Ballon d’Or five times. In late August, Forbes reported that retired Swiss tennis star Roger Federer had become the seventh athlete in history to surpass the billion-dollar mark, joining basketball players Michael Jordan and LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods, boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, and others.