Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer, says report

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire footballer, according to a report.

The Al Nassr and Portugal striker's net worth has been estimated at $1.4bn (£1.04bn) by the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The valuation puts Ronaldo among a small group of billionaire athletes including basketball greats Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, as well as golfer Tiger Woods and tennis player Roger Federer.

Bloomberg said that between 2002, when he started his career at the Portuguese team Sporting CP, to 2023, Ronaldo earned more than $550m (£410.4m) in salary.

That was supplemented with a decade-long sponsorship by Nike, worth close to $18m (£13.4m) per year, and endorsements from brands like Armani and Castrol, adding more than $175m (£130.6m) to his fortune.

After leaving Manchester United by mutual consent, Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in 2023, and became the highest-paid player in history with a salary of around $237.2m (£177m) - plus bonuses and a reported 15% share in the club

Still playing at 40 years old, Ronaldo has just signed a new contract with the Saudi side, reportedly worth more than $400m (£298.5m).

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With the World Cup next year, Ronaldo shows no sign of hanging up his boots, telling the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday: "I still have a passion for this.

"My family says it's time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1,000 goals if I've already scored 900-something. But I don't think that way inside.

"I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team. Why not continue? I am sure that when I finish I will leave full because I gave everything of myself.

"I know I don't have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest."

Bloomberg also reported that Inter Miami and Argentina's Lionel Messi earned more than $600m (£448m) in salary throughout his career, but did not find him to be a billionaire like his career rival.

(c) Sky News 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer, says report