PHOTO: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Active Footballer to Reach Billionaire Status

October 8, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which listed the Portuguese star’s net worth for the first time this week.

Bloomberg valued the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward at $1.4 billion, factoring in his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments.
The Index attributed Ronaldo’s growing fortune to his tax-free contract in Saudi Arabia and lucrative brand partnerships with Armani and Nike.

Reports by BBC Sport and ESPN on Wednesday noted that Ronaldo, already football’s highest-paid player, further boosted his wealth earlier this year after signing a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr worth over $400 million, keeping him at the Saudi Pro League side beyond his 42nd birthday.

Speaking to Canal 11, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who holds the men’s international goal record with 141 goals in 223 appearances said he has no plans to retire, despite encouragement from his family to do so.

Sources: Bloomberg, BBC Sport, ESPN