LISBON, Portugal — The iconic Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has officially achieved a net worth exceeding $1 billion (KSh 129.2 Billion), becoming the first active professional footballer in history to reach this staggering financial milestone.
This announcement follows the inclusion of the football legend’s fortune in the daily valuation by the prestigious Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) for the first time.
Ronaldo’s entry into the exclusive billionaire club solidifies his position not just as a sporting great, but as one of the world’s most successful commercial figures.
His immense wealth stems from an unprecedented combination of playing salaries, lucrative lifetime endorsement deals, and a rapidly growing business portfolio.
The Saudi Arabia deal: A business masterstroke
While Ronaldo was already exceptionally wealthy, his monumental 2023 transfer to the Middle East reportedly sealed his billionaire status. His deal with the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr represents a significant financial divergence from the earnings of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo’s current contract in Saudi Arabia is designed to dramatically boost his income in the final phase of his career.
His annual earnings from the Al-Nassr contract are reported to be around $200 million (KSh 25.84 Billion), which includes both his playing salary and commercial bonuses.
Crucially, these earnings are reportedly tax-free in Saudi Arabia, substantially increasing his net income. Furthermore, his agreement reportedly includes an equity stake in the club, marking a key step toward future club ownership.
The article notes the strategic nature of the transfer: “Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was more than just a transfer; it was a career-defining business decision that leveraged his global brand into an unprecedented tax-free fortune.”
The CR7 business empire and global brand power
Ronaldo’s lasting financial legacy is his foresight in brand management. He successfully transformed his initials and shirt number, CR7, into a multi-million-pound global enterprise that extends well beyond the pitch.
This business legacy is often cited as the primary reason he achieved billionaire status while still an active player, a feat previously limited to retired sporting legends like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.
His decade-long, reported lifetime deal with Nike is estimated to bring in around $18 million (KSh 2.3 billion) annually. He also maintains major partnerships with international brands such as Armani, Castrol, and Herbalife.
Ronaldo’s corporate diversification includes the Pestana CR7 hotel chain and a line of fitness gyms, cementing his presence in the hospitality and wellness sectors.
The CR7 product line further includes fashion apparel, underwear, and a successful range of fragrances.
With over 665 million followers on Instagram, Ronaldo is the most followed person in the world. This platform allows him to command astronomical fees for paid posts and serves as a powerful, constant promotional engine for his multiple business ventures.
Financial benchmark
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) is highly regarded for its transparent and dynamic methodology. Unlike traditional wealth lists, the BBI updates daily following the close of trading in New York.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo extends Al-Nassr contract, committing to Saudi Arabia until 2026
It calculates net worth by tracking publicly traded stock prices and estimating the value of private assets and business holdings, such as Ronaldo’s CR7 brand and real estate portfolio.
Ronaldo’s achievement establishes a new financial benchmark for the sport. While his rival Lionel Messi’s career pre-tax earnings are comparable to Ronaldo’s pre-Saudi earnings, Messi’s current MLS contract is less lucrative in terms of immediate cash flow.
However, Messi is also expected to receive an equity stake in Inter Miami upon his retirement, which could significantly boost his net worth in the future.
Ronaldo’s journey from a modest background in Madeira to a self-made, active billionaire proves that the world’s most talented athletes can now build lasting financial institutions alongside their sporting legacies.
