Cristiano Ronaldo hits historic feat, becomes first billionaire footballer: Report

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to enter the billionaire club, according to financial information and media firm Bloomberg. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worth of the world’s richest individuals, listed the 40-year-old Portuguese star for the first time, estimating his total wealth, from career earnings, investments and endorsements, at $1.4 billion ( ₹12,352.08 crore).

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire(REUTERS)

The report revealed that Ronald earned over $550 million ( ₹4,869.57 crore) in salary between 2002 and 2023, during which he played for some of the top European clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He also had a decade-long deal with Nike worth almost $18 million (approximately ₹159.25 crore) per year. His other endorsements with brands like Armani and Castrol added over $175 million ( ₹1,554 crore) to his net worth.

In 2023, Ronaldo's shock move to Saudi club Al-Nassr fetched him around $200 million ( ₹17,760 crore) annually in tax-free salary and bonuses, along with perks such as a $30 million ( ₹2,664 crore) signing bonus. While his contract was due to end in June 2025, Ronaldo signed a new two-year deal with the club, which saw him earn more than $400 million (approximately ₹35,520 crore). The contract will keep him until his 42nd birthday.