Bloomberg Billionaires Index values Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.4 billion, driven by Al-Nassr salary and major endorsement deals
NEW YORK, United States – Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, which values the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s net worth at $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).
Bloomberg Confirms Historic $1.4 Billion Valuation
For the first time, Bloomberg’s financial tracking system, which monitors the world’s wealthiest individuals, has measured Ronaldo’s wealth. The valuation takes into account career earnings, investment portfolios, and endorsement contracts that stretch back more than two decades.
Between 2002 and 2023 alone, Ronaldo pulled in over $550 million (£410 million) in salary. And that’s before his current Al-Nassr deal, which reportedly makes him the highest-paid footballer in history.
Endorsements add serious weight to those numbers. Nike has been paying him nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) a year through a decade-long partnership. Then there are his CR7-branded products, hotels, fragrances, the works.
Al-Nassr Contract Worth Over $400 Million
When Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2022, he shattered salary records with an annual income of £177 million. The original contract was supposed to run until June 2025.
Then came the extension. He signed a new two-year deal reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the club past his 42nd birthday. It’s hard to overstate how much this changes the financial picture.
His Saudi earnings dwarf what he made during his peak years at Real Madrid and Manchester United. We’re talking about a gap so wide it puts him among the world’s highest-paid athletes across all sports, not just football.
How Ronaldo Compares to Lionel Messi
Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi has actually earned more in career salary, over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax income, according to Bloomberg. That’s roughly $50 million more than Ronaldo’s documented salary through 2023.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami pays around $20 million (£15 million) a year. That’s about 10% of what Ronaldo’s making at Al-Nassr. The gap reflects just how aggressively Saudi Arabia has invested in football compared to Major League Soccer.
Messi does have an ace up his sleeve, though: when he retires, he’ll get an ownership stake in Inter Miami. Depending on how MLS grows and what the team ends up being worth, that equity could eventually narrow the wealth gap between the two icons. Or not. It’s anyone’s guess.
Beyond Salary: Ronaldo’s Business Empire
Ronaldo’s billionaire status isn’t just about what he earns on the pitch. He’s built a business empire that operates independently of his football career.
The CR7 brand covers everything from clothing and footwear to fragrances and fitness centers. He co-owns the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, with properties in Lisbon, Madrid, and several other cities. And his social media reach, over 900 million followers across platforms, makes him one of the most marketable athletes alive.
Financial analysts seem to think his earning potential won’t crater when he retires. Unlike many athletes who see income plummet after they stop playing, Ronaldo’s brand appears to transcend football itself. Endorsement deals and business ventures should keep the money flowing well after he hangs up his boots.
Impact on Football’s Financial Landscape
Ronaldo’s billionaire milestone comes at a strange time for football economics. The Saudi Pro League has been throwing around money that European clubs simply can’t compete with.
His move to Al-Nassr in 2022 may have opened the floodgates. Since then, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Neymar have all headed to Saudi clubs on massive contracts. Some people credit Ronaldo with legitimizing the league, making it a viable option for elite players.
Whether this trend holds is another question. European leagues still have the prestige, the history, the competition. But when the pay gap is this ridiculous, it’s hard to blame aging stars for cashing in.
For now, Ronaldo stands alone as football’s only billionaire player. He’s shown that world-class talent combined with savvy branding and a willingness to take unconventional paths can build generational wealth.
What’s next? Maybe becoming the first footballer to hit $2 billion in career earnings. At his current pace, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched.
BBC
