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Cristiano Ronaldo has now made history as the first football player to achieve billionaire status, following a highly rewarding contract renewal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star has accumulated an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest athletes of all time, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Ronaldo’s ascent to billionaire status is primarily fueled by his record-setting contract in Saudi Arabia, reportedly worth over $400 million.
Signed in June 2025, the agreement is considered one of the highest-paying contracts in the sports realm. His income comprises tax-free salaries, performance-related bonuses, and additional perks such as access to a private jet and an equity share in Al-Nassr.
The athlete’s current wealth is the result of more than 20 years of professional income, endorsements, and investments. Bloomberg’s assessment takes into account Ronaldo’s career earnings, sponsorship deals with international brands like Nike and Armani, as well as business ventures under the CR7 name. The report also made adjustments for taxes and market fluctuations.
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in 2023 represented a significant financial change in his career. Although many doubted his decision to exit European football, the transfer proved to be revolutionary, earning him the highest average yearly salary for a footballer and securing his position among the world’s wealthiest athletes. The tax-free income policy in Saudi Arabia further enhanced his net earnings.
