In a landmark moment for world football, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first ever footballer to enter the billionaire ranks, according to the latest edition of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which places his net worth at around $1.4 billion. The 40-year-old’s financial leap is largely attributed to a blockbuster contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, reportedly valued in excess of $400 million and supplemented by substantial commercial and endorsement revenues.
Bloomberg’s analysis shows that across his long and storied career, Ronaldo has earned in excess of $550 million in salary alone between 2002 and 2023. These on-field earnings were bolstered by decades of high-profile brand deals—most notably his long partnership with Nike—and the growth of his CR7 businesses spanning clothing, fragrance, hospitality, and more. The combination of these income streams and strategic business investments has pushed Ronaldo past a key financial milestone.
Media outlets and financial commentators emphasize that while past reports have suggested top footballers have crossed the billion-dollar mark in career earnings, this is the first time an active footballer has been assessed at billionaire status in a net worth index. The timing is especially symbolic: Ronaldo’s Saudi deal, which made him one of the highest-paid players ever, apparently includes not only wages and bonuses but also equity components and commercial tie-ups, giving him a more ownership-oriented stake in his future earnings.
Industry observers view this milestone as emblematic of the evolving landscape of global football, where elite players no longer rely solely on matchday pay, but increasingly build diversified commercial empires that endure well beyond their playing days. Still, it should be noted that billionaire valuations remain estimates, subject to changes in contracts, endorsements, investments, taxation, and market fluctuations—factors that could alter Ronaldo’s standing in future rankings.
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