Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, which estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion (£1.04bn).
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr and Portugal star’s fortune comes from more than $550 million in career salary, lucrative sponsorships including a decade-long Nike deal worth $18 million a year, and major investments.
His record-breaking Saudi Pro League contract, now extended beyond 2025 and reportedly worth over $400 million, cements him as the highest-paid player in football history.
Rival Lionel Messi has earned about $600 million in pre-tax salary.
