Portugal’s 40-Year Old Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player After Al Nassr Mega-Deal

Published Oct 08, 2025
Investing & Inspiration
Market News

By John F. Heerdink, Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most decorated athletes in modern sports, has become football’s first player to reach billionaire status, according to data compiled by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Portuguese star’s net worth has been estimated at roughly $1.4 billion, fueled by his lucrative playing contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and decades of global brand-building.

Ronaldo, 40, signed a deal with Al Nassr in late 2022 reportedly worth around $400 million over two and a half years, making him among the highest-paid athletes in the world. Beyond his on-field income, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has leveraged a personal brand that extends far beyond sport—anchored by partnerships with Nike, Clear, Herbalife, and his own CR7-branded empire, which spans clothing, fragrance, hotels, and gyms.

His ascent to billionaire status reflects a broader shift in football’s financial landscape, where player earnings increasingly rival those of corporate CEOs and entertainment icons. According to Forbes, Ronaldo has consistently ranked near the top of annual athlete earnings lists, often trading the number-one spot with long-time rival Lionel Messi. But Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2022—coinciding with the kingdom’s aggressive investment in global sports—marked a new phase of wealth creation in football.

His salary and endorsement deals reportedly brought in more than $260 million last year alone, with commercial activities accounting for more than half of that figure. On social media, Ronaldo remains an unparalleled force. With over 650 million Instagram followers, he provides brands with direct access to a global audience, turning each post into a multi-million-dollar marketing touchpoint.

Ronaldo’s path to the billion-dollar club places him alongside only a few elite athletes in history, including Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan, who reached their milestones primarily through endorsement wealth and business ventures. What sets Ronaldo apart is that he did so while still playing at a professional level—a testament to both his longevity and relentless brand cultivation.

Though critics have questioned his move to a lesser-known league, Ronaldo has framed his Saudi adventure as both a professional challenge and a bridge toward football’s next frontier. “My journey in football isn’t just about goals and titles; it’s about legacy,” he told reporters earlier this year.

For a player who once grew up in a modest home on the island of Madeira, the achievement is staggering. At 40, Ronaldo not only remains among the highest-earning athletes in the world but also a symbol of how modern sport, marketing, and celebrity have merged into a single global business empire.