Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer after Al-Nassr deal
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Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in the world to reach billionaire status.
The milestone follows his latest contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, signed a new deal with Al-Nassr in June 2025 worth over USD 400 million. The contract also includes a 15% ownership stake in the club. This new agreement pushed his net worth to an estimated USD 1.4 billion.
Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long been rivals on and off the pitch, matching each other in earnings and influence for most of their careers. However, Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 gave him a financial edge, while Messi opted for Major League Soccer in the United States.
At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns the highest annual salary of any sportsperson. His income is further boosted by Saudi Arabia’s tax-free policy, allowing him to retain a much larger share of his pay than during his time at European clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over USD 550 million in salaries while playing in Europe. In addition to his football income, he has secured lucrative endorsement deals. His decade-long Nike contract brings in USD 18 million per year, and sponsorships with brands like Armani and Castrol have added over USD 175 million to his wealth.
Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has earned around USD 200 million annually in tax-free salary and bonuses. His initial signing bonus was reported to be USD 30 million.
Beyond his football contracts, Ronaldo’s vast social media following - over 660 million on Instagram - along with his real estate holdings and business ventures, continues to expand his financial empire. Analysts say that even after his retirement, Ronaldo is expected to remain among the world’s highest-earning athletes.