2LT International News

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in history to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which estimates the Portuguese star’s net worth at around US$1.4 billion.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward’s financial rise follows a record-breaking contract, reportedly worth more than $400 million, signed with the Saudi Arabian club in June.

Bloomberg said Ronaldo has earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023, along with a decade-long Nike deal valued at nearly $18 million a year. Endorsements with brands such as Armani and Castrol have added another $175 million to his fortune.

Ronaldo’s 2023 move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr made him the highest-paid player in football history, earning £177 million ($237.5 million) per year, plus bonuses and a 15% stake in the club.

His wealth places him among a select group of global sporting billionaires, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer.

Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, has earned more than $600 million in pre-tax salary over his career, according to reports.

Despite his record-breaking fortune and age, Ronaldo said he has no plans to retire soon.

“I still have a passion for this,” he said at the Portugal Football Globes gala on Tuesday. “My family says it’s time to quit, and they ask me why I want to score 1,000 goals if I’ve already scored 900-something. But I don’t think that way inside.

“I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not continue? I know I don’t have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy them to the fullest.”