Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Becomes 1st Billionaire Soccer Player, Net Worth Revealed
Cristiano Ronaldo will get to hold at least one achievement over longtime rival Lionel Messi.
Bloomberg's Henrique Almeida and Dylan Sloan reported Ronaldo has a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion, making him the first billionaire soccer player.
"Miguel Marques, who helps manage Ronaldo's wealth through Lisbon-based LMcapital Wealth Management, declined to comment on the player's net worth, as did one of the player's external public relations agencies," Almeida and Sloan wrote. "Bloomberg's valuation takes into account his career earnings as well as investments and endorsement deals, adjusted for prevailing tax rates and market performance."
Bloomberg reported Ronaldo and Messi remained relatively close financially until 2023. That's when Ronaldo signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, while Messi headed for MLS' Inter Miami.
While the Argentine star secured a sizable payout for himself and reported future equity stake in Inter Miami, that paled in comparison to Ronaldo's contract.
His initial deal reportedly guaranteed him $75 million with up to $200 million in annual earnings. He penned an extension with Al-Nassr this summer, which included a 15 percent stake in the club, per Bloomberg.
Ronaldo has appeared in 81 Saudi Pro League matches, scoring 78 goals and recording 16 assists. According to FBref.com, his 0.99 goals per 90 minutes with Al-Nassr are second only to his nine-year run with Real Madrid in La Liga.
As prolific as he has been, Ronaldo is still waiting to lift a Saudi Pro League title. That may change this season with Al-Nassr sitting first in the table through four matches.
