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Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire, Bloomberg Confirms

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the billionaire ranks, becoming the first footballer in history to achieve this status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The 40-year-old Portugal captain and Al-Nassr star is now valued at an estimated $1.4 billion (£1.04bn), marking another milestone in a career that has already redefined sporting success.

Bloomberg’s assessment considers Ronaldo’s career earnings, investments, and global endorsements. Between 2002 and 2023, he reportedly earned over $550 million (£410m) in salary alone. Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo’s commercial portfolio has long been among the most lucrative in sport — highlighted by his decade-long partnership with Nike, reportedly worth nearly $18 million (£13.4m) per year.

His 2022 move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League further elevated his financial trajectory. The deal initially made him the highest-paid footballer in history, worth £177 million annually, before he extended his contract through 2027 in a new two-year agreement worth more than $400 million (£298m).

By contrast, longtime rival Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, has earned around $600 million (£447m) in pre-tax salary throughout his illustrious career. Since joining Major League Soccer in 2023, Messi’s guaranteed annual pay of $20 million (£15m) represents roughly one-tenth of Ronaldo’s income during the same period. Upon retirement, the 38-year-old Argentine is also set to receive an ownership stake in Inter Miami — another indicator of football’s shifting financial landscape.

From Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s journey has mirrored football’s globalization and the explosion of commercial revenues in the sport. His brand power — from the CR7 clothing line to hotels, gyms, and fragrance ventures — continues to generate millions annually, ensuring his influence extends well beyond the pitch.

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