Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first billionaire footballer in history, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This milestone marks a transformative moment in sports finance, cementing Ronaldo’s status not only as one of the greatest athletes of all time but also as a global business icon.
Career Earnings and Salary Breakdown
Ronaldo accumulated over $550 million in salary earnings between 2002 and 2023, playing for clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. His transfer to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 redefined football compensation, with reports indicating an annual salary of approximately $200 million, making him the highest-paid player in the sport’s history. This salary includes appearance bonuses and performance incentives, all of which are tax-free under Saudi regulations. In the 2025 financial year, Ronaldo earned $275 million, surpassing all other athletes globally and maintaining his position as the world’s top earner for the third consecutive year.
Contract Extension and Equity Stake
In June 2025, Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, valued at over $400 million, securing his place with the Riyadh-based club until at least 2027. Uniquely, the deal includes a reported 15 percent equity stake in the club, a rare clause in professional football contracts that significantly amplifies his financial growth beyond salary alone. This ownership interest positions Ronaldo not just as a player but as a strategic investor in the club’s long-term valuation, especially as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its global sports influence.
Brand and Endorsement Empire
Ronaldo’s off-field earnings are anchored by a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, signed in 2016 and estimated to be worth over $1 billion over its duration. This partnership alone generates nearly $18 million annually. Additional brand collaborations with Armani, Herbalife, Binance, and TAG Heuer contribute over $175 million to his wealth, leveraging his status as the most-followed athlete on social media, with over 939 million followers across platforms as of May 2025. His name generates immense media value; for instance, he delivered $500 million in earned media for Nike in 2016 alone, demonstrating his unmatched commercial appeal.
CR7: The Lifestyle Brand
Beyond endorsements, Ronaldo has built a diversified business portfolio under the CR7 brand. This includes high-end fashion lines such as CR7 Underwear, CR7 Footwear, and CR7 Denim, which are sold in over 50 countries. The brand also features a successful fragrance line developed with a British perfume manufacturer, including the popular Eden Perfumes and CR7 Fragrances. These products are heavily promoted through his digital presence, creating a self-sustaining cycle of brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Hospitality and Real Estate Ventures
Ronaldo co-owns the Pestana CR7 hotel chain in partnership with the Pestana Hotel Group, with properties in Lisbon, Funchal (his hometown in Madeira), Madrid, New York, and Marrakech. These lifestyle hotels cater to a young, fitness-oriented demographic, reflecting Ronaldo’s personal brand ethos. The chain has expanded steadily since its 2016 launch and is expected to open new locations in Dubai and Paris by 2026, further increasing his exposure to luxury real estate markets.
Fitness and Health Investments
Ronaldo co-founded CR7 Crunch Fitness, a chain of premium gyms launched in collaboration with Crunch Fitness, with locations in Portugal and Spain. The venture aims to democratize elite fitness training, aligning with his image as the pinnacle of athletic discipline. Additionally, in 2019, he co-founded Insparya, a chain of hair transplant clinics with locations in Spain and Portugal, where he holds a 50 percent stake. The clinics focus on aesthetic wellness, a growing sector in personal healthcare, and are managed by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
Aviation and Asset Portfolio
Ronaldo owns a $73 million Gulfstream G650 private jet, one of the fastest and most luxurious aircraft in the world, capable of traveling 7,500 nautical miles and accommodating 19 passengers. He also rents out other aircraft in his fleet, including a Bombardier Global Express 6500, for approximately €3,000 per hour, creating a steady revenue stream from private aviation. These assets not only serve personal needs but also function as high-value investments and income generators.
Comparison with Peers
Ronaldo’s financial ascent places him ahead of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, whose career earnings exceed $600 million, with an estimated net worth of $650 million. While Messi earns $20 million annually from Inter Miami and is set to receive equity in the club upon retirement, his current financial scale remains below Ronaldo’s. Ronaldo’s achievement makes him one of the few athletes to join billionaire status alongside Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods, but he is the first from a team sport to do so while still actively playing.
Statement on Legacy and Future
Despite turning 40 in 2025, Ronaldo has expressed no intention of retiring, stating, “I still have a passion for this… I am still delivering positive performances. I’m contributing to my club and the national team. Why not carry on?”. He remains focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to extend his international career and further solidify his legacy. His ambition extends beyond the pitch, as he continues to build CR7 Ventures, targeting investments in technology, energy, and health enterprises.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to billionaire status is a testament to his unparalleled blend of athletic excellence, brand power, and entrepreneurial vision. By transforming fame into a sustainable financial empire, he has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete, setting a benchmark for future generations.