Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire, Bloomberg Reports.

Roger Hampel

Image: Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to Bloomberg, which estimates the Portuguese player’s net worth at $1.4 billion. The milestone places the 40-year-old among the wealthiest athletes globally and marks the first time a soccer player has appeared on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Bloomberg Billionaires Index Cristiano Ronaldo Bloomberg

As reported by Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s financial position reflects a combination of career earnings, sponsorship deals, and personal business ventures, alongside his current contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC. The Riyadh-based team, competing in the Saudi Pro League, signed Ronaldo to a two-year agreement reportedly worth more than $400 million.

Bloomberg noted that Ronaldo’s Saudi contract includes tax-free earnings, significantly increasing his net income compared to European-based athletes. His inclusion on the Bloomberg index underscores how the Saudi league’s recent investments in global football talent have elevated both sporting and financial visibility.

Career and Business Ventures Cristiano Ronaldo Billionaire

Ronaldo’s business portfolio extends beyond football. He owns and operates the CR7 brand, which includes lines of underwear, footwear, fragrances, and hospitality ventures. His commercial success is also tied to his position as one of the world’s most followed individuals on social media, with over 665 million Instagram followers, making him a highly sought-after global marketing partner.

According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s wealth distinguishes itself from other top athletes because it is primarily driven by salary and club earnings, rather than by investments or sponsorships alone. His career-long endorsement partnerships have included global brands such as Nike, Armani, and Castrol.

Comparison With Peers

Bloomberg highlighted that Ronaldo’s income surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. According to Forbes, Messi earns approximately $135 million annually, combining his club contract and commercial activities.

While Messi’s career has included major global partnerships and ownership interests through his association with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, Bloomberg emphasized that Ronaldo’s earnings profile remains more heavily tied to direct compensation and entrepreneurial activity.