Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Billionaire Footballer
History has been made. Cristiano Ronaldo is officially the first footballer to join the billionaire club, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index—the definitive tracker of the world’s wealthiest people.
At 40 years old, the Portugal and Al-Nassr striker has reached a net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). This isn’t just another record for CR7. This is a milestone no footballer has ever achieved while still playing professionally.
Bloomberg Makes It Official
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index doesn’t mess around. It’s the same system that tracks Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and every other mega-wealthy person on the planet. And now? Ronaldo’s on that list.
This marks the first time Bloomberg has measured Ronaldo’s wealth, and the numbers speak for themselves. The valuation considers everything: career earnings from football contracts, investment portfolios, and his massive endorsement deals.
The verdict? $1.4 billion.
How Did Ronaldo Hit the Billion-Dollar Mark?
Let’s break down what Bloomberg factored into Ronaldo’s billionaire status:
Career Earnings: Two Decades of Dominance
Ronaldo’s football journey reads like a financial fairy tale. From Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr—each move came with bigger paychecks.
His current deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr is the crown jewel. We’re talking about a contract worth hundreds of millions, making him the highest-paid footballer in history. Even at 40, Ronaldo’s still cashing checks that would make most CEOs jealous.
Endorsements: The Brand That Never Stops
Bloomberg didn’t just count his football salary. They looked at his endorsement empire—and it’s massive.
His lifetime deal with Nike alone is reportedly worth over $1 billion. Then there’s his partnerships with global brands, his 600+ million social media following, and his status as one of the most marketable athletes on Earth.
Every Instagram post, every commercial, every product launch—it all adds up. And Bloomberg counted every dollar.
Investments: Smart Money Moves
Ronaldo isn’t just earning money; he’s investing it wisely. Bloomberg’s valuation includes his business ventures:
- The CR7 brand (clothing, fragrances, accessories)
- Pestana CR7 hotels across Europe and Morocco
- CR7 Fitness gym chains
- Real estate holdings
- Various business partnerships and equity stakes
These aren’t vanity projects. They’re revenue-generating businesses that keep building his wealth even when he’s not on the pitch.
What Makes This Historic?
Plenty of athletes have become billionaires—but usually years after retirement. Michael Jordan did it. So did Tiger Woods and LeBron James.
But Ronaldo? He’s the first footballer to hit a billion while still playing. That’s unprecedented in the sport’s history.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index tracks 500 of the world’s richest people. It updates daily, using a rigorous methodology that accounts for assets, debts, and market fluctuations. Getting on this list isn’t easy—and staying there is even harder.
For Ronaldo to make the cut at 40, while still actively playing professional football, proves this isn’t just about talent on the field. This is about building a financial empire that transcends the sport.
The 40-Year-Old Billionaire Still Scoring Goals
Here’s what’s wild: Ronaldo’s still playing. Still scoring. Still competing at the highest level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Most billionaire athletes made their fortunes after hanging up their jerseys. Ronaldo’s doing it in real-time, balancing training sessions with business deals and endorsement shoots.
The Bloomberg valuation captures a moment in time—but Ronaldo’s wealth isn’t static. It’s growing. His Nike deal guarantees income for life. His businesses continue expanding. His brand gets stronger every year.
Bloomberg’s Methodology: Why This Matters
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index isn’t some random ranking. It’s the gold standard for measuring wealth.
They analyze:
- Public and private holdings: Stocks, businesses, real estate
- Career earnings: Every contract, every paycheck
- Endorsement deals: Current and future guaranteed income
- Debt and liabilities: What’s owed against assets
- Market values: Real-time valuations of all holdings
When Bloomberg says you’re worth $1.4 billion, you can take it to the bank.
What This Means for Football
Ronaldo becoming the first billionaire footballer sends a message to every young player coming up: Football isn’t just a game anymore. It’s a business.
The sport has evolved. Top players aren’t just athletes—they’re brands, businesses, and global icons. Ronaldo proved you can turn exceptional talent into generational wealth while you’re still in your prime.
Will others follow? Probably. Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and other young superstars are watching. But Ronaldo got there first. And in sports, being first means everything.
The Numbers Behind the Billion
Bloomberg’s $1.4 billion valuation for Ronaldo includes:
Career football earnings: Over $500 million from club salaries across multiple decades
Endorsement income: More than $600 million from Nike, sponsors, and brand partnerships
Business ventures: Approximately $300 million from hotels, gyms, the CR7 brand, and investments
These aren’t estimates or guesses. Bloomberg uses verified financial data, public records, and industry analysis to calculate net worth. Their number is as accurate as it gets.
From Madeira to the Billionaires Index
Twenty-plus years ago, Ronaldo was a teenager from Madeira with a dream. Today, he’s on the same wealth tracker as tech billionaires and business moguls.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index adding Ronaldo to its rankings isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a cultural moment. It proves that with talent, dedication, smart financial decisions, and the right opportunities, an athlete can build wealth that rivals any industry.
What’s Next for the Billion-Dollar Man?
At 40, most footballers are retired. Ronaldo’s still going strong in Saudi Arabia while his billion-dollar empire keeps growing.
His Nike lifetime deal ensures he’ll keep earning long after his playing days end. His businesses will continue expanding. And his brand? That’s not going anywhere.
Bloomberg’s first valuation of Ronaldo at $1.4 billion is just the beginning. This number could easily grow to $2 billion or more as his post-playing career unfolds.
The Bottom Line
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index has spoken: Cristiano Ronaldo is worth $1.4 billion, making him the first footballer ever to achieve billionaire status.
This isn’t hype. It’s not speculation. It’s verified, calculated, and official—measured by the same index that tracks the world’s richest people.
At 40 years old, playing for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has done what no footballer has done before. He’s not just the greatest goal scorer of his generation. He’s football’s first billionaire.
And something tells us he’s not done making history yet.