Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire player

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially entered the billionaire club, becoming the first player in the sport’s history to achieve this remarkable financial milestone.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the wealth of the world’s richest individuals, the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker now boasts an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).

It says he earned more than $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, and breaks down his reported earnings through deals and sponsorship, including a decade-long deal with Nike worth almost $18m (£13.4m) a year.

When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022 he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m.

His contract was due to end in June 2025 but he signed a new two-year deal – reportedly worth more than $400m (£298m) – which will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.

Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who played against Ronaldo for many years during their time in Spain, has earned more than $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career, according to Bloomberg.

That includes $20m (£15m) in guaranteed annual pay since 2023, which is about 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.