Cristiano Ronaldo: History Marks the First Billionaire Football Player

                                                     Ronaldo: The First Billionaire Football Player

Cristiano Ronaldo: History Marks the First Billionaire Football Player

After a career filled with achievements, from his record-breaking move to Real Madrid to breaking goalscoring records, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved a historic feat off the pitch, becoming the world's first footballer to reach billionaire status.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ronaldo's fortune reached $1.4 billion after a comprehensive assessment of his assets, marking his first time on this list. This achievement comes after he signed a massive contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr last June, estimated at more than $400 million, making it one of the largest contracts in football history. 

Ronaldo's journey began from a humble upbringing on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where he dropped out of school at the age of 14 to devote his life to football. After moving to the mainland, he rose to prominence with Sporting Lisbon before joining Manchester United in 2003 and then Real Madrid in a record-breaking deal six years later, becoming one of the world's highest-paid players.

Massive Contracts and Global Sponsorship

Over more than two decades on European football pitches, Ronaldo didn't hesitate to capitalize on his fame through advertising contracts with major brands like Armani and Nike. With his move to Saudi Arabia, he received additional benefits, including tax exemptions, a stake in the club, and the use of a private jet, boosting his financial standing to unprecedented levels.

Messi and Ronaldo: Two Different Financial Paths

Although Ronaldo and Lionel Messi shared the top spot in salaries for years, Ronaldo's move to the Gulf and Messi's joining Inter Miami in the MLS changed the equation. However, Messi is expected to take a stake in the American club after his retirement, which could revive the financial rivalry between them.

Ronaldo, whose first name is in honor of former US President Ronald Reagan, earned more than $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023. He also signed a ten-year contract with Nike worth approximately $18 million annually, in addition to sponsorship deals with brands such as Armani and Castrol, adding more than $175 million to his wealth. His move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2023 earned him approximately $200 million annually tax-free, in addition to perks such as a $30 million signing bonus.

According to the Bloomberg Wealth Index, Messi has earned more than $600 million before taxes over his career, including a $20 million annual guaranteed salary starting in 2023. He also has a revenue-sharing contract with Apple. However, his guaranteed income over the past two seasons represents about one-tenth of Ronaldo's income over the same period. Both players benefited from massive salary inflation, far exceeding that of former stars like David Beckham, who earned around $100 million before retiring in 2013.

Who manages the wealth?

Ronaldo relies heavily on Miguel Marques, a former Swiss banker who now operates from an office above the Louis Vuitton flagship store in Lisbon on the upscale Avenida da Liberdade. Marques' office has built up assets under management to €1.4 billion since its founding in 2018. Ronaldo focuses on investing in his homeland, relying on a small circle of friends and advisors and valuing loyalty.

For example, he considered buying a stake in Lisbon's City of Padel, a sport he loves, and attends matches unannounced. His close friend Miguel Paixão dos Santos has also been involved in small investments in Portugal, such as the acquisition of the Lisboa Racket Center in 2024. Although Ronaldo owns a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes the CR7 brand, hotels, gyms, and a media group, they are not the primary driver of his wealth.