Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name in the annals of football history, becoming the first player to achieve a net worth of $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar’s wealth is a testament to his incredible career earnings, savvy investments, and lucrative endorsement deals.
Ronaldo’s journey to billionaire status was paved with substantial paychecks from his time playing for top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus.
He earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, with his most recent contract extension with Al-Nassr worth more than $400 million.
This deal, which includes a 15% stake in the club, has significantly contributed to his net worth.
Notably, Ronaldo’s annual salary from Al-Nassr is reportedly around £177 million, making him the highest-paid player in football history.
Ronaldo’s endorsement portfolio is equally impressive, with partnerships with global brands like Nike, Armani, and Tag Heuer.
His decade-long deal with Nike is worth nearly $18 million per year.
Additionally, Ronaldo has invested in various ventures, including a sprawling complex in his hometown, which is expected to feature a “hospital-sized” mansion.
While Ronaldo’s net worth surpasses that of his longtime rival Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar has still earned an impressive $600 million in pre-tax salary during his career.
Messi’s guaranteed annual pay since joining Inter Miami in 2023 is around $20 million, roughly 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.
Upon retirement, Messi is set to receive a stake in Inter Miami.
At 40, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down, with a contract that will keep him at Al-Nassr until 2027.
He has expressed his passion for playing for Portugal and has set his sights on scoring 1,000 career goals.
With his business ventures and on-field success, Ronaldo’s net worth is likely to continue growing.
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