Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a historic financial milestone, becoming the world’s first billionaire footballer. With jaw-dropping earnings from Saudi Arabia, global sponsorships, and his own business empire, Ronaldo’s wealth now sits in a league of its own.
A record-breaking fortune of $1.4 billion
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to wealth, but recent reports reveal that his fortune has soared to unprecedented heights. According to Bloomberg, the Portuguese star has amassed an estimated $1.4 billion, making him the first footballer in history to cross the billion-dollar mark in net worth.
$200 million a year – tax free
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi club Al-Nassr has been a financial game-changer. Since signing with the club, he has reportedly earned $200 million annually – entirely tax free. This income alone far eclipses his previous earnings in European football, where he made a total of $550 million over two decades.
Messi’s salary is only a fraction
While Lionel Messi may match Ronaldo in talent, he lags behind financially. Messi earns around $20 million a year playing for Inter Miami in the MLS – just one-tenth of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr salary. His choice to play in the U.S. instead of Saudi Arabia significantly limited his earning potential.
Read also: Top 10 Players with the Most G/A in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues (2025/26)
More than just a footballer: the CR7 empire
Ronaldo's wealth isn’t built on salary alone. His brand, CR7, spans fashion, hotels, gyms, fragrances, and more. He has carefully cultivated a global image that translates into lucrative deals with brands like Nike, Armani, and Castrol. He's not just a player — he’s a business mogul.
Instagram: a million-dollar billboard
With over 650 million followers, Ronaldo is the most followed person on Instagram. That reach doesn’t come cheap, a single sponsored post on his account can earn him up to $3 million. His social media presence is a digital goldmine, turning every post into a potential payday.
His Al-Nassr deal could be worth nearly $1 billion
Ronaldo’s current contract is reportedly valued at $468 million per year, according to Spanish outlet AS. Over two years, that amounts to nearly $1 billion. It’s a staggering deal that includes not just salary but potentially even equity in the Saudi club itself.
Breaking down the numbers: earnings per second
How much does Ronaldo earn? About $1.3 million per day. That’s more than $53,000 an hour — or nearly $900 every minute. Blink, and he’s already earned $15. It’s an eye-popping income that highlights the scale of his financial power in real time.
Read also: Liverpool FC 2025 Salaries Revealed: Ranking Every Player from Lowest to Highest Earner
Strategic partnerships across industries
Beyond sportswear, Ronaldo partners with companies in diverse sectors — from wellness brand Herbalife to crypto exchange Binance and luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co. These endorsements show how his influence spans industries, making him a go-to figure for global marketing campaigns.
A future-proof fortune
Even after his playing days are over, Ronaldo’s income is unlikely to slow down. His investments and business ventures will continue to generate massive revenue. With real estate, fitness franchises, and fashion all under the CR7 umbrella, Ronaldo has future-proofed his wealth.
Still playing, still earning
Despite turning 40, Ronaldo has no plans to retire just yet. He’s still representing Portugal and chasing another World Cup appearance. As long as he plays, the money will keep rolling in. But even after he hangs up his boots, the Cristiano Ronaldo brand will keep growing.
Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire: the 10 richest players ranked
