Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in the history of the sport to achieve billionaire status. His net worth is now estimated at $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index .
This financial milestone was confirmed after Ronaldo, 40, signed a massive new contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr earlier this year . The new two-year deal is reportedly worth more than $400 million in tax-free earnings . This contract ensures he will continue playing beyond his 42nd birthday .
Ronaldo's journey to this unprecedented wealth is a story of record-breaking salaries, major brand partnerships, and smart investments. It contrasts sharply with his humble beginnings. He grew up in poverty on the Portuguese island of Madeira . He once spoke about having so little money as a child that he and his siblings would wait outside a local McDonald's, hoping for leftover burgers . Now, he stands atop a global financial empire.
His wealth is unique in the world of sports. Unlike many other billionaire athletes, Ronaldo's fortune has been driven mainly by his enormous playing contracts rather than business ventures alone . Between 2002 and 2023, he earned more than $550 million in salary alone . His move to Al-Nassr in 2023 first made him the highest-paid player in football history . The new contract has solidified that position.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo's global fame has made him a marketing powerhouse. He has the largest Instagram following of any person in the world, with over 665 million followers . This reach attracts major brands. He has a decade-long deal with Nike that pays him nearly $18 million each year . Other endorsements with companies like Armani and Castrol have added more than $175 million to his net worth .
He has also built his own business empire under the CR7 brand. This brand includes fragrances, underwear, footwear, and even a chain of hotels . As part of his deal with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo also received a 15% stake in the football club . This follows a trend of star players having ownership ties to their teams.
Ronaldo now joins a very small group of billionaire athletes. This group includes basketball legend Michael Jordan and retired tennis star Roger Federer . Their paths to billions differed. Federer's wealth, for example, was boosted greatly by a stake in the Swiss sportswear company On . Michael Jordan earned about $90 million during his playing career but built a $3.8 billion fortune through long-term deals with Nike and owning parts of sports teams .
Despite his new financial status and age, Ronaldo shows no signs of wanting to stop playing. He recently stated that he still has a deep passion for the game . He acknowledged that his family asks him to retire, questioning why he wants to keep scoring goals. Ronaldo said he does not think that way. He feels he is still producing good results and helping his club and national team . He said he is sure he will know when he is done, but for now, he wants to enjoy the few years he has left .
Looking ahead, Ronaldo has teased an interest in club ownership after his playing days are over. In an interview with Portuguese television, he said owning clubs is his dream . He expressed a hope to not only have one club but to own several clubs . This suggests his influence on the world of football will continue long after he leaves the pitch.