Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first billionaire player with a $1.4 billion net worth, according to Bloomberg. The Al-Nassr star says he has no plans to retire yet, insisting he still has more to give
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Billionaire Footballer – Bloomberg
Says He’s Not Retiring Yet
Cristiano Ronaldo has made history once again — this time off the pitch — as the first active footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which listed the Portuguese superstar’s net worth for the first time this week.
Bloomberg valued the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward at an estimated $1.4 billion, factoring in his lifetime earnings, lucrative endorsement deals, and strategic investments across multiple sectors.
The financial index credited Ronaldo’s tax-free contract in Saudi Arabia and high-profile brand partnerships with Nike and Armani as major contributors to his soaring fortune.
Reports by BBC Sport and ESPN on Wednesday revealed that Ronaldo, already football’s highest-paid player, expanded his earnings earlier this year by signing a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr worth over $400 million. The deal secures his stay in the Saudi Pro League beyond his 42nd birthday.
Despite his immense success and advancing age, Ronaldo says he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet. Speaking to Canal 11, the all-time men’s international goal scorer — with 141 goals in 223 appearances — said he still feels driven to perform at the top level.
“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?’” Ronaldo said.
“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also received the Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globes on Tuesday — an honour he described as a testament to his enduring commitment and passion for the game.
“It’s not an end-of-career award,” Ronaldo explained. “I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication, and ambition. I like winning, helping the younger generations, and they also help me maintain my level and continue competing. That’s what excites me: competing with the younger ones. I still have a passion for this.”
According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s wealth has now surpassed $1 billion, cementing his place not only among the greatest footballers of all time but also as one of the most successful athletes-turned-businessmen in sports history.
