Cristiano Ronaldo has made history as the first footballer ever to reach billionaire status. The Portuguese superstar, 40, has officially joined the “Three Comma Club” after signing a new blockbuster deal in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after parting ways with Manchester United, initially penned a record-breaking contract worth £173 million per year.
Speculation recently swirled over his future as his deal neared its end, but the veteran forward has now extended his stay on even higher wages.
According to Bloomberg, CR7 is set to earn a staggering £492 million over the next two years, pushing his total net worth to an estimated £1.045 billion. The milestone makes him the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status.
Ronaldo now stands well ahead of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, whose net worth sits around £620 million. However, Bloomberg notes that the Argentina World Cup winner could eventually close the gap thanks to his potential future ownership stake in MLS side Inter Miami.
Throughout his glittering career, Ronaldo has amassed wealth from record contracts with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Off the pitch, he’s built a global empire through high-profile endorsements and his personal CR7 brand.
His partnerships span global giants including Nike, Armani, Herbalife, and Tag Heuer, along with deals involving Clear Shampoo, DAZN, LiveScore, and Panini.
He also previously collaborated with KFC and continues to grow his CR7 line of fragrances, apparel, and underwear.
Ronaldo’s success places him far ahead of the competition in football’s wealth rankings. Messi remains in second place, followed by Neymar (£280 million), Kylian Mbappé (£186 million), and Karim Benzema (£150 million).
Rounding out the top ten are Paul Pogba, Son Heung-min, Antoine Griezmann, Mohamed Salah, and Robert Lewandowski, with Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez close behind.
With his latest contract and ever-expanding business ventures, Ronaldo’s reign at the top of football’s financial hierarchy shows no signs of slowing down.
