Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first footballer to reach billionaire status

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status. The latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index has valued the Portuguese superstar’s net worth at an estimated $1.4 billion.

Ronaldo joins an elite list of sportspersons who have attained billionaire status. The list includes basketball greats Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods and tennis icon Roger Federer.

Ronaldo signed a fresh contract worth $400 million with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in June.

According to Bloomberg, the 40-year-old attacker earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023. By comparison, Argentine great Lionel Messi has earned more than $600 million in pre-tax salary to date.

Ronaldo earns nearly $18 million annually from a deal with Nike, and has added $175 million through lucrative endorsements with Armani, Castrol and other brands.

His move to Saudi Arabia from Manchester United in 2023 made him the highest-paid player in football history, with an annual salary of $237.52 million. His deal with Al-Nassr also includes bonuses and a reported 15% share in the club.

Recently, Ronaldo said he was not considering retirement. "I still have a passion for this," he said at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday. "My family says it's time to quit and they ask me why I want to score 1000 goals if I've already scored 900-something. But I don't think that way inside.

"I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team. Why not continue? I am sure that when I finish I will leave full because I gave everything of myself. I know I don't have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest.