Ronaldo: “Cars are no longer my passion” as he hits $1.4bn net worth
Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his journey to becoming football’s first billionaire, reflecting on the most extravagant purchase he’s ever made and what it means to him to reach the top of the financial world.
Record-breaking deal
In the summer of 2025, the Portuguese forward signed, what Bloomberg described as, the most lucrative contract extension in sports history.
The new two-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr is reportedly worth £178 million a year, or roughly £488,000 per day.
According to the Goal.com and U.S. outlet, the fresh agreement pushed Ronaldo’s net worth to an estimated $1.4 billion (£1.04bn/€1.2bn), making him the first footballer ever to reach billionaire status.
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The deal also included a signing bonus of about £24.5 million ($32.8m), which will rise to £38 million ($51m) if he completes a second year.
At 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy expectations both on and off the pitch, with his career earnings eclipsing those of any other athlete in the sport’s history.
A luxury in the skies
During his appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo revealed that his most expensive purchase to date is a private jet. “The most expensive thing I've ever bought? An aeroplane, yes,” he said, explaining that the aircraft, a Bombardier Global Express 6500, cost around €50 million.
He went on to say that he’s owned a jet since turning 30 but upgraded to a new one last year. “I can buy whatever I want, but I don’t need it,” he explained. “Three days ago I bought a car, but it’s for my collection. It’s like buying a painting. I’m not going to drive that car, it’s an investment.”
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Ronaldo admitted that cars no longer excite him the way they once did. “Honestly, if I had to bet, I’d say 41, 42 cars,” he said. “I love Bugattis, but I don’t drive much anymore. In Saudi Arabia, the traffic is terrible.”
‘Like winning a Ballon d’Or’
Reflecting on his new billionaire status, Ronaldo said it felt like another major career milestone. “I knew this was going to happen, I was prepared. It was like winning a Ballon d’Or,” he said. “It was my goal to reach that number. I’m not obsessed with money, but it was one of my personal goals, alongside football trophies and titles.”
He added that while money is no longer his main motivation, he still values the recognition that comes with success. “There are things more important than money, but I was very happy because it was one of my goals, besides football, trophies, Ballon d’Ors, Champions League,” he explained.
The forward also pointed out his consistency across records. “In football, I’m the only one. The numbers don’t lie. If you look at so many records in football, I’m at the top of the list. Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me.”
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Preparing for life after football
When asked about retirement, Ronaldo acknowledged the emotional challenge of stepping away from the game. “It will be tough, yes. I’ll probably cry, that’s normal,” he admitted. “But I’ve been preparing for my future since I was 25.”
He said he plans to spend more time with his family and follow his son’s development. “I want to follow in Cristiano Jr.’s footsteps. I want to be more present and then I have my hobbies, watching UFC, playing padel, learning more about my business.”
Ronaldo, who leads Al-Nassr as captain, is set to return to action on Wednesday when his side faces India’s FC Goal in the AFC Champions League Two in Riyadh.
Sources: Bloomberg, Piers Morgan Uncensored, GOAL, Reuters
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