Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially made history as football’s first-ever billionaire, according to financial data firm Bloomberg. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has been listed on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.045 billion), combining his career earnings, sponsorship deals, and investments.
Ronaldo’s monumental wealth stems from two decades of elite football contracts, global endorsements, and savvy business ventures. Between 2002 and 2023, he reportedly earned more than $550 million (£410 million) in salaries alone. His long-standing Nike deal, worth approximately $18 million (£13.4 million) per year, remains one of the most lucrative in sports history.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star significantly expanded his fortune after joining Al-Nassr in 2022, signing a record-breaking deal that made him the highest-paid footballer in history with an annual salary of £177 million. His contract extension, reportedly valued at over $400 million (£298 million), ensures he’ll remain at the Saudi club beyond his 42nd birthday.
Meanwhile, his longtime rival Lionel Messi trails in second place. Bloomberg estimates the Inter Miami captain has earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary throughout his career, including $20 million (£15 million) annually since 2023 — roughly a tenth of Ronaldo’s current yearly income.
Top 10 Richest Footballers (Bloomberg 2025)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – £1.045 billion
- Lionel Messi – £620 million
- Neymar Jr. – £280 million
- Kylian Mbappé – £186 million
- Karim Benzema – £150 million
- Paul Pogba – £93 million
- Son Heung-min – £75 million
- Antoine Griezmann – £67 million
- Mohamed Salah – £66 million
- Robert Lewandowski – £63 million
Ronaldo’s achievement further cements his legacy not just as one of football’s greatest athletes but also as a global business powerhouse, bridging the worlds of sports, branding, and entrepreneurship.
