Cristiano Ronaldo has made history. He is now the first footballer in the world to become a billionaire. This milestone comes after his new contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
 |
| Image Source: NDTVSports |
Ronaldo has always competed with Lionel Messi for football glory. But in earnings, Ronaldo has now taken the lead. Messi plays in Major League Soccer in the USA, while Ronaldo joined the cash-rich Saudi league in 2023.
At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns the highest salary of any athlete in the world. Since Saudi Arabia has no income tax, his take-home pay is much higher than what he used to earn in Europe at clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United.
How Ronaldo Made His Fortune:
- European Career (2002–2023): Ronaldo earned over USD 550 million in salaries.
- Endorsements: His Nike deal gives him USD 18 million every year. Other deals with brands like Armani and Castrol add more than USD 175 million.
- Al-Nassr (2023–Present): Ronaldo earns around USD 200 million yearly, tax-free. He also got a USD 30 million signing bonus.
- 2025 Contract Extension: Ronaldo signed a new deal worth over USD 400 million. The contract also gave him a 15% stake in Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo also has over 660 million Instagram followers, a strong real estate portfolio, and multiple business investments. Even after retirement, he is set to remain one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.