Ronaldo is the first football billionaire: how he earned $1.4 billion
8 October 21:51
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire footballer. According to Bloomberg, his net worth has reached $1.4 billion after signing a new contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nasr, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The deal, which he extended until 2027, is estimated at more than $400 million and includes not only a salary but also bonuses, a share in the club, and access to a private jet.
Why it matters
- Ronaldo became the first player in football history to earn more than a billion dollars primarily through salary rather than advertising or investment.
- His success contrasts with other sports legends who have become billionaires mostly through business or advertising contracts.
- A contract in Saudi Arabia is also beneficial because of its favorable tax laws.
How he compares to other stars
- Lionel Messi has earned about $600 million in his career (excluding taxes), including a deal with Apple and $20 million in guaranteed salary annually from 2023. This is several times less than Ronaldo’s income over the past two seasons.
- Roger Federer has $1.3 billion, but most of his wealth comes from investments and the On Holdings AG brand, not prize money.
- Michael Jordan earned less than $100 million during his playing career, but became a billionaire thanks to Nike and a stake in the NBA club Charlotte Hornets.
Ronaldo is one of the most titled football players in the world: 5 Ballon d’Or, 4 Ballon d’Or, 5 Champions League victories.
He is the record holder for goals in the Champions League and for the Portuguese national team.
In 2024, for the sixth time in 10 years, he topped the Forbes ranking as the world’s highest-paid footballer.
His move to Al-Nasr in 2022 was a symbol of how Saudi Arabia is using sports to increase its international influence.
What’s next
Analysts expect Ronaldo to become a central figure in the development of Saudi football, especially in the run-up to the 2034 World Cup, which the country is preparing to host.
His career shows that athletes can accumulate wealth not only through brand deals, but also directly through sports contracts – if the employing country is willing to pay record amounts.
