Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First-Ever Billionaire After New Al Nassr Deal
Portuguese superstar and Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, following the signing of a new, record-breaking contract in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who moved to the Middle East in 2013 after parting ways with Manchester United, has now taken his career earnings and investments to unprecedented heights. The 40-year-old forward, already one of the most marketable athletes in history, reportedly inked a £492 million two-year deal with Al Nassr — an upgrade from his previous £173 million-per-year contract.
According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s net worth has now surged to a staggering $1.4 billion (£1.045bn) — making him the first footballer ever to cross the billion-pound mark.
This milestone is not just a reflection of his on-field brilliance but also of his off-field business acumen — from sponsorship deals with global brands like Nike and Herbalife to his own CR7 fashion empire, fragrance line, hotels, and fitness centers.
💭 Opinion: Ronaldo’s Legacy Goes Beyond Football — He’s Redefining What It Means to Be a Global Icon
Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise to billionaire status is more than a financial triumph — it’s a symbol of longevity, discipline, and unmatched ambition. Few athletes have managed to remain relevant, let alone dominant, across two decades of elite sport.
At 40, when most players are long retired, Ronaldo continues to score goals, break records, and sign history-making deals. But beyond his physical excellence lies a lesson in self-branding and reinvention. From Lisbon to Madrid, Manchester to Riyadh, Ronaldo has turned his career into a global enterprise — merging football with entrepreneurship in a way no one else has mastered.
Critics may argue that Saudi Arabia’s massive contracts have distorted football economics, but there’s no denying that Ronaldo’s move opened the door for other global stars to explore new markets and redefine success.
For younger players, Ronaldo’s story isn’t just about trophies or paychecks — it’s about understanding your worth, staying relentless, and evolving with purpose.
Love him or not, one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer just a footballer — he’s a living empire.
