Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become a billionaire — a momentous achievement that redefines not only his legendary soccer career but also his global empire off the pitch. The Portuguese superstar, who for decades has shared the stage with Lionel Messi as the face of modern soccer, has now etched his name into financial history. But amid the celebrations, one question lingers: Is Cristiano Ronaldo truly the world’s richest soccer player?
Let’s unpack the empire of a man who went from kicking balls on the dusty streets of Madeira to owning Bugattis, mansions, and a billion-dollar net worth.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is now a billionaire,” confirmed Celebrity Net Worth in its latest report, marking a historic milestone for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. While early reports in 2020 claimed he had joined the billionaire ranks, those figures only reflected career earnings, not net worth after taxes and expenses.
Back then, the Portuguese had made over $1 billion through salary, endorsements, and investments — but his actual net worth fell short of the mark. Now, in 2025, with a groundbreaking new contract at Al Nassr, there’s no debate: The 40-year-old veteran has crossed the billionaire threshold for real.
The deal that changed everything
The pivotal moment came in June 2025, when Ronaldo signed an unprecedented extension with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, cementing his place in the Saudi Pro League with a package unlike anything seen in soccer. The deal includes a staggering $224 million annual salary, a signing bonus of $31 million (rising to $48 million upon completion), and a 15% ownership stake in the club valued at approximately $42 million.
In addition, Al-Nassr will cover $5 million in private jet expenses, provide a dedicated 16-person household staff, and offer up to $20 million in performance-related bonuses. Ronaldo is also set to earn an estimated $76 million from commercial and sponsorship deals tied directly to the club. If all incentives are met, the total value could soar to $936 million over just two years, making this the most lucrative contract in sports history.
Outearning Lionel Messi
This new agreement means Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi in net worth. According to Forbes 2024, Ronaldo had already topped their highest-paid athletes list for three consecutive years, earning $275 million annually (including $225 million on-field). Messi, by contrast, was reported at $135 million, with most income coming from endorsements.
Ronaldo’s brand value has also skyrocketed. A 2023 valuation by Portugal’s IPAM put the CR7 brand at $883.8 million — rivaling the Argentine’s estimated $850 million.
But is he the richest soccer player in the world?
Here comes the twist. Despite reaching billionaire status, Ronaldo is not the richest soccer player alive. That title belongs to Faiq Bolkiah, a former youth player at Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leicester. Now playing professionally in Thailand, Faiq earns about $1,000 a week — but his family fortune tells a different story.
He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, and his inheritance is valued at $20 billion. So while Ronaldo earned his fortune goal by goal, Faiq was born into it.
