Cristiano Ronaldo has joined an elite club. No other footballer has done so.

Cristiano Ronaldo has done something no footballer has ever done before. He broke through the financial ceiling and officially entered the elite group of billionaire athletes. Crucially, he achieved this status while still remaining an active player and one of the most effective strikers in the world.

He's had a long-standing reputation for high earnings. His contracts were already impressive while playing for Manchester United and Real Madrid . His breakthrough, however, came after his transfer to Al-Nassr FC . According to Bloomberg, Cristiano Ronaldo's total net worth has surpassed $1.4 billion . No other footballer has ever achieved this figure.

The Portuguese continues to impress. At 40, he scores regularly in the Saudi Pro League and remains effective for the national team. He is aiming to surpass the 1,000-goal mark in his career and play at next year's World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fortune has exceeded one billion dollars. License: ANNA SZILAGYI / PAP/EPA

In late June, Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr, valid until 2027. Under the deal, he will earn over €200 million . The signing bonus alone was around €30 million. This totals over €100 million per year.

Speculation about his net worth has been rife for months. Various figures have been suggested, often around €800 million. Now, Bloomberg has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the first football player with a net worth exceeding $1 billion.

His enormous earnings from football are only part of his success. Ronaldo has built a globally recognized brand, including perfume lines, clothing, and a hotel chain. He also has numerous real estate investments. From 2023 to 2025, he consistently ranked first in Forbes' highest-paid athletes rankings. Previously, he competed for this position with stars such as Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather, and Lionel Messi.

His influence on social media also plays a huge role in building his fortune. The Portuguese has one of the largest and most loyal audiences in the world, making him a valuable partner for global brands.

Cristiano Ronaldo isn't considering retirement. He's still training with the Portuguese national team, which will face Ireland and Hungary in October. His form and determination show he still has something to prove in football.

Billionaire, legend, and still-effective striker, Cristiano Ronaldo proves that a sports career can be not only a string of successes on the pitch but also a gateway to the financial elite.