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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially become the first footballer in history to attain billionaire status, according to the latest data published by Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
The Al-Nassr forward, whose career earnings and investments span two decades, now boasts an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, marking a historic financial milestone in global sports.
The mind-blowing figure places him ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi, who reportedly trails with an estimated net worth of about $800 million.
Reports indicate that Ronaldo’s wealth surge was largely driven by his record-breaking contract with Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, which includes massive salary bonuses, image rights, and even a 15 percent equity stake in the club.
The deal, estimated to exceed $400 million, adds to his previous career earnings of over $550 million from stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Beyond his football income, Ronaldo has built a powerful global business empire. His CR7 brand, spanning fashion, footwear, fragrance, hotels, gyms, and eyewear, contributes significantly to his growing fortune.
Endorsements with major brands such as Nike, Armani, Clear, and Herbalife have reportedly added more than $175 million to his wealth.
While Ronaldo has crossed the billion-dollar threshold, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi remains one of the world’s wealthiest athletes.
The Inter Miami dazzler, who has amassed about $600 million in career earnings and holds lucrative deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Apple, is said to be “close but not quite there yet.”
Analysts note that Messi’s earnings have been steadier but less diversified than Ronaldo’s, with fewer business ventures and equity-linked contracts.
Financial analysts say Ronaldo’s new status reflects not only his longevity and brand appeal but also the commercial transformation of football into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise.
“Ronaldo is not just a footballer, he’s a business ecosystem,” a Reuters report quoted an analyst as saying. “His evolution from athlete to billionaire is the natural outcome of two decades of elite performance and brand mastery.”
Ronaldo’s feat makes him the first active team-sport athlete to reach billionaire status, joining the exclusive ranks of sports legends like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who achieved the milestone after retirement.
Social media has been on “fire”. His fans are celebrating and wishing him more earnings.