Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in history to earn more than $1 billion over the course of his career, according to a new report by Forbes, marking a historic milestone in global sports earnings.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, reached the billion-dollar threshold through a combination of club contracts, endorsements, and commercial enterprises.
Ronaldo’s wealth has been built from record-breaking salaries during his stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, as well as his current multi-million-dollar deal in Saudi Arabia, one of the most lucrative in world football.
His off-field ventures have also played a major role. Ronaldo maintains a lifetime endorsement agreement with Nike and owns the CR7 brand, which spans fashion, fragrance, eyewear, gyms, and hotels.
With over 600 million Instagram followers, he also earns among the highest advertising and promotional revenues globally, with some of the most expensive sponsored posts in the world.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo’s combined on-field and off-field income has now surpassed the $1 billion mark, making him the first active footballer to achieve this feat.
His long-time rival Lionel Messi remains among the world’s highest-paid athletes but has not yet reached the same cumulative total.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2022 significantly boosted his global visibility and earnings, expanding his influence across the Middle East and beyond.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Ronaldo has amassed multiple Ballon d’Or titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory. This new financial milestone cements his status as one of the most successful athletes on and off the pitch in sporting history.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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