Cristiano Ronaldo first billionaire footballer has officially made history. The Portuguese star became the first player in football to earn over $1 billion during his career. His massive wealth comes from record-breaking club contracts, major sponsorship deals, and his growing business empire.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, continues to dominate both on and off the field. Despite turning 40, he remains one of the sport’s top performers. In an interview with Canal 11, he said he has no plans to retire soon, adding that he still feels motivated to score more goals and help his club and country.
Over the years, Ronaldo has played for major clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His current contract with Al Nassr is one of the most lucrative in world football. This has significantly boosted his earnings, especially after his move to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo first billionaire footballer has built an empire through his CR7 brand, which includes clothing, fragrances, gyms, and hotels. He also has a lifetime deal with Nike and earns millions from Instagram, where he has more than 600 million followers.
According to Forbes, his total career earnings from football and endorsements have now passed $1 billion, making him the first active footballer to reach this milestone. Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi remains among the highest-paid athletes but has not yet crossed this record mark.