How Cristiano Ronaldo became football’s first billionaire
Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to shy away from breaking records, on or off the pitch. After dominating Europe’s top leagues for over two decades, the Portuguese football star has reached a new milestone: becoming the first footballer to be listed as a billionaire, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. But his journey to the top of both the sports and financial worlds is anything but ordinary.
A legendary career of firsts
Ronaldo’s football legacy is stacked with achievements, from his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid to becoming one of the highest goal scorers in history. With stints at Manchester United, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr, he’s not only conquered every major European competition, but also turned his global fame into one of the most profitable careers in modern sport.
The billion-dollar deal with Al-Nassr
In 2023, Ronaldo signed a renewed contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr reportedly worth over $400 million. The deal, which includes tax-free salary, bonuses, and possible equity in the club, was a turning point in his financial trajectory. It pushed his net worth to $1.4 billion, as confirmed by Bloomberg, the first time the index officially evaluated him.
Ronaldo vs Messi: The financial rivalry
For years, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi earned similar wages at the top of world football. But that changed dramatically when Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia while Messi headed to Inter Miami. Though the Argentine is expected to receive equity in his U.S. club, Ronaldo’s tax-free contract and commercial bonuses have created a significant earnings gap in recent seasons.
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From humble beginnings to luxury living
Ronaldo’s financial journey began far from the spotlight. Raised in poverty on the island of Madeira, he left school at 14 to pursue football full-time. His rise was rapid, from Sporting Lisbon to global stardom. Today, his name is attached to Madeira’s international airport, a museum, and a luxury hotel chain.
Brand partnerships and off-field income
Much of Ronaldo’s fortune has come from endorsements. He signed a decade-long deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million per year, and worked with brands like Armani and Castrol. Combined, his commercial partnerships have added more than $175 million to his net worth — supplementing his $550 million in football earnings between 2002 and 2023.
Investment strategy: close to home
When it comes to investing, Ronaldo stays loyal to Portugal. He works with Miguel Marques of LMcapital Wealth Management, a Lisbon-based firm managing over €1.4 billion. Ronaldo often evaluates investments with a small circle of trusted friends. He’s shown interest in ventures like City of Padel and the Lisboa Racket Cente, both reflecting his personal hobbies.
Real estate and luxury property
Ronaldo’s property portfolio includes a mansion in Madeira, a record-breaking penthouse in Lisbon, and a new €20 million estate in the luxury golf resort of Quinta da Marinha. His presence there has even sparked local tourism, with fans attempting to catch a glimpse of the star’s new home from nearby viewpoints.
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From media ventures to CMTV stake
Ronaldo has invested in media too, and not without irony. In 2016, he made headlines for throwing a reporter’s microphone into a lake. In 2023, he reportedly became one of the backers in the purchase of CMTV, the same outlet involved in that earlier incident. He also owns fitness centers, the CR7 fashion brand, and a hotel chain, although these ventures generate less income than his football and endorsements.
What comes next after football?
With over 660 million Instagram followers, Ronaldo is the most followed person in the world, a marketing asset that aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to attract tourism. As his playing career nears its end, Ronaldo has expressed interest in club ownership, and is already believed to hold a 15% stake in Al-Nassr as part of his latest deal. Retirement may be on the horizon, but with his growing fortune and influence, Ronaldo’s next chapter is likely just as ambitious.
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