Cristiano Ronaldo has officially broken the financial barrier that no footballer before him has reached. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Portuguese forward’s financial success has been propelled by his record-breaking contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signed in June, reportedly valued at over $400 million.
Bloomberg reports that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo accumulated more than $550 million in salary earnings, bolstered by a long-term Nike sponsorship worth nearly $18 million per year, and additional endorsements with brands such as Armani and Castrol, which contributed more than $175 million to his wealth.
Ronaldo’s 2023 transfer from Manchester United to Al-Nassr cemented his status as the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual wage of £177 million (approximately $358 million USD), alongside bonuses and a 15% ownership stake in the Saudi club.
For comparison, Lionel Messi of Argentina and Inter Miami has reportedly earned over $600 million in pre-tax salaries throughout his career.
By joining the billionaire ranks, Ronaldo now stands among a select group of global sports icons such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.
Despite his age, Ronaldo insists that retirement is not on his mind yet.
“I still have the passion,” he said at the Portugal Football Globes event on Tuesday. “My family keeps telling me to stop, asking why I’m chasing 1,000 goals when I’ve already scored over 900. But that’s not how I think.
“I’m still performing well, contributing to my club and country. So why should I stop? I know I don’t have many years left, but I’ll enjoy every moment and leave the game knowing I gave it my all.”
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