Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer

Emily Nicole

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer image

Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary status is further solidified as he becomes the first player worth over $1 billion (£745.1 million), according to Bloomberg. 

The financial & media firm released their "Billionaire's Index" on October 8, which saw the 40-year-old named for the first time.

According to their data, the Portuguese striker's net worth of $1.4 billion is an accumulation of his salary, investments and endorsements. 

One of his most notable endorsements is a decade-long relationship with Nike, with a yearly pay-out of almost $18 million (£13.4 million). 

He's also remains the highest paid football player - earning a reporter £170 million at Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr. 

According to Forbes' latest tally of footballer's salaries, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner earns double of second place Neymar Jr, who earns £86 million per year. 

Ronaldo has now signed a two-year extension to stay with Al Nassr, which is reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298 million). 

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Why is Ronaldo staying in Saudi?

Ronaldo made history when he returned to Manchester United in 2021, and scored 19 goals in his 40 appearances for the side. 

But he broke many hearts when he decided to leave just a year later. Fallings our with former boss Erik ten Hag, unhappiness with club management and also wanting to play for a Champions League side saw his desire to depart. 

But a move never materialised the way he wanted, due to how high a cost Ronaldo is. 

Enter the Saudi Pro League - a division that has been wanting to grow and attract high calibre players. 

It can be argued that Ronaldo put them on the map for the rest of the world. 

In his two years at the club, he's claimed league top scorer back-to-back - with 78 goals in 81 appearances, showing that he's not slowing down anytime soon. 

When his contract ended in June 2025, and a cryptic social post reading "the chapter is over" was shared, it was expected that Ronaldo will again look to move and maybe make his way back to Europe.

Instead, the Portugal star renewed for another two years at the Saudi side, despite receiving offers from other clubs - including ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer. 

So why stay in Saudi? Well, money could be a clear decider. Ronaldo comes with a high price tag, and it's one that clubs - despite wanting him - could struggle to pay. 

However, game time could also be considered. At Al Nassr, he's almost guaranteed regular, frequent game time that some top quality players sometimes struggle to have in European leagues due to higher competition between teammates. 

Age always comes in as a factor - but despite being 40 years old, that doesn't seem to phase Ronaldo. He's still in top form, which can still be surprising for most. 

And his dedication to the game is the fire that fuels him. A two-year contract may not be the end and a return to Europe could never be ruled out, if he continues on this trajectory. 

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Emily Nicole

Emily Nicole is a freelance contributor for The Sporting News. Emily is a sports journalist, with a passion for motorsport with professional experience across print, broadcast and social media. Emily holds a Journalism Bachelor’s Degree and a Media & Communications Master’s Degree, both from City, University of London. You can follow more of Emily's work on The F1 Rundown on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thef1rundown).