Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has made history once again — this time off the pitch. According to Bloomberg, the 40-year-old football icon has officially become the first footballer to enter the ranks of billionaires, joining an elite list of global sports legends whose wealth extends far beyond their athletic achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Billionaire, no Alcohol, no tattoos, no drugs, no negativity. Just passion, determination, and pure hardwork https://t.co/jr9cYWpAiq pic.twitter.com/GhHUyCjs5m
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) October 8, 2025
Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.4 billion, driven by a combination of his record-breaking salary, endorsement empire, and savvy business ventures. The outlet reported that his fortune surged dramatically after signing a two-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, reportedly worth more than $400 million.
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Ronaldo’s career and brand make him one of the world’s richest athletes
Throughout his glittering career, Ronaldo has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs — including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus — collecting an array of trophies along the way. His accolades include five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Ronaldo’s 2023 move to Al-Nassr was seen as a turning point, not only revitalizing Saudi Arabia’s football profile but also solidifying his position as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning around $200 million annually. His arrival helped attract global attention to the Saudi Pro League, paving the way for other international stars to follow.
Off the field, Ronaldo — known worldwide by his CR7 brand — has built an empire that spans multiple industries. He boasts long-term endorsement deals with global giants like Nike, Armani, and Herbalife, alongside his own successful ventures, including CR7-branded clothing, fragrances, gyms, and hotels. His entrepreneurial spirit has played a crucial role in expanding his wealth beyond the game.
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Bloomberg also highlighted Ronaldo’s expansive real-estate portfolio, which includes luxury properties in Madrid, Lisbon, Madeira, and Saudi Arabia, as well as a recently acquired mansion in Portugal reportedly worth over $20 million.
Ronaldo now joins a select group of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, and Roger Federer — the latter having crossed the billion-dollar threshold earlier this year, according to Forbes.
Despite his immense success, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. Still competing at the highest level with Al-Nassr and maintaining a massive global fanbase across social media, the Portuguese legend continues to blend sporting excellence with business acumen, redefining what it means to be a modern athlete in the era of sports capitalism.
With additional input by GVS US and Intl desk