Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has made history once again, becoming the first footballer to reach a net worth of US$1.4 billion, according to a report released by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index on October 8, 2025. The milestone confirms Ronaldo’s status not only as one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history but also as a global business icon. Reuters reported that the figure combines his immense earnings from professional football, endorsement deals, and personal investments spanning over two decades.
Much of Ronaldo’s wealth stems from his record-breaking contract with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club he joined in December 2022. The deal, valued at more than $200 million per year, includes both salary and commercial rights. His influence in the Middle East has grown steadily since, with the 40-year-old star calling Saudi Arabia his “second home” during the launch of a new branch of his Insparya hair clinic in Riyadh earlier this month. “I see a great future here — not just in football, but in business and lifestyle,” Ronaldo said during the event.
In addition to his club salary, Ronaldo continues to earn tens of millions annually from endorsement partnerships with brands such as Nike, Armani, Herbalife, Binance, and his own CR7 fashion and fragrance line. His disciplined image and global appeal have helped him maintain sponsorships that span over 20 years. As Reuters noted, “Ronaldo has built a self-sustaining brand empire unmatched by any other footballer, with business interests that now rival corporate athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.”
Beyond his financial success, Ronaldo received special recognition from Portugal for his enduring contributions to national football. On October 6, 2025, the Portuguese Football Federation presented him with the Globe Prestige Award during the Portugal Football Globes 2025 ceremony. The award honoured his 20-year service to the national team and his record-breaking achievements as Portugal’s all-time top scorer. “It’s an honour to represent my country for so many years. I still feel the same passion as when I first wore this shirt,” Ronaldo said during his acceptance speech in Lisbon.
At 40, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations both on and off the field. While many speculate about his possible retirement, he insists he is “not finished yet.” Speaking to VG Sport in a recent interview, he declared, “I’ll stop when my body tells me to. Until then, I’ll keep going — I still want to reach 1,000 goals.” His current tally, combining club and international appearances, stands at over 880 goals, making him the highest scorer in football history.
Analysts say Ronaldo’s rise to billionaire status symbolizes the evolution of the modern athlete into a global entrepreneur. His influence extends across sports, business, and philanthropy, with investments in hospitality, fitness, and digital ventures. “Ronaldo isn’t just a player — he’s an economy,” said sports economist Miguel Fonseca of the University of Lisbon. “He represents the perfect fusion of talent, discipline, and brand power.” As he nears the twilight of his career, Ronaldo’s success continues to redefine what it means to be a football superstar in the 21st century.
