Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football s first billionaire with net worth of US$1.4 billion

According to the latest reports, Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first athlete in football history to be worth more than one billion US dollars, with a total net worth of US$1.4 billion. This milestone achievement is due to his continuous accumulation of high income on and off the court for more than 20 years.

During his career, Ronaldo has played for top European clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, with a cumulative salary income of more than 550 million US dollars. At the beginning of 2023, he moved to the Saudi team Riyadh Crescent and signed a two-year contract worth a total of US$400 million, including a signing bonus of approximately US$30 million. At that club alone, his annual income increased by approximately $200 million, propelling his level of wealth to a new level.

In addition to his generous salary, Ronaldo's off-field income is also amazing. His 10-year contract with Nike brings in approximately $18 million in annual sponsorship revenue, and he also maintains long-term partnerships with brands such as Armani. These endorsements together form an important part of his wealth.

In terms of personal wealth, Ronaldo has clearly widened the gap with long-term rival Messi. Currently, Messi's total career salary is approximately US$600 million. After joining Inter Miami, his annual salary is approximately US$20 million, and he enjoys an income sharing agreement with Apple. However, Messi is expected to obtain an equity stake in Inter Miami after his retirement. According to Forbes, this share is worth approximately US$1.2 billion, which will significantly narrow the wealth gap between him and Ronaldo.

As the careers of these two superstars continue, their achievements in business and athletics will continue to attract global attention.