How Cristiano Ronaldo Became The First Billionaire Player After Huge Saudi Contract

Cristiano Ronaldo the First Billionaire Player — And He’s Not Slowing Down

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again, not on the pitch this time, but in his bank account. The Portuguese superstar has officially become the first billionaire football player in history, a milestone that cements his status as more than just a sporting icon, he’s now a global financial powerhouse.

According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s total net worth has soared to an incredible KSh 173.6 billion, thanks to his record-breaking salary in Saudi Arabia, shrewd investments, and a galaxy of endorsement deals that few athletes could ever dream of.

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When Ronaldo made the shocking move to Saudi Arabia in early 2023, skeptics wondered if it was the beginning of the end for his football career. Instead, it turned into a billion-dollar chapter. Playing for Al Nassr, Ronaldo has not only revitalized the Saudi Pro League but also opened the floodgates for global stars to join the Middle Eastern football revolution. His most recent two-year contract extension with Al Nassr reportedly earns him an eye-watering KSh 768.5 million per week, according to Capology. Yes, per week. That means Ronaldo earns in seven days what many footballers couldn’t dream of in a lifetime.

More Than Football Money

But Ronaldo’s empire isn’t built on goals alone. His partnership portfolio reads like a luxury wish list, Nike, Louis Vuitton, TAG Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and many others. His lifetime deal with Nike, reportedly worth KSh 124.4 billion, remains one of the most lucrative brand partnerships in sports history. Add to that his CR7 fashion line, hotels, fragrances, and fitness ventures, and it’s easy to see why Ronaldo’s financial game is as strong as his right foot.

And that’s not all, Ronaldo is currently constructing a massive, ultra-modern complex in Portugal. The property, reportedly filled with custom architecture, luxurious furnishings, and some of the most expensive watches and jewelry in the world, showcases his flair for design and love for perfection. Among his prized possessions is a KSh 188.6 million Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon, a name as extravagant as the timepiece itself.

The same Bloomberg’s wealth index indicates that the gulf between him and his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, has grown over time after the latter elected to move to the United States. Messi has made more than KSh 77.52 billion in pre-tax salary over his career, including KSh 2.6 billion a year since 2023.

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When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?

At 40 years old, most footballers have long since hung up their boots, but not Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al Nassr star says retirement is still “not on his mind.” In an interview with BeIN Sports, he said: “I want to keep playing for a few more years, not many, I have to be honest. I’m still producing good things, helping my club and Portugal. So… why stop now?”

Ronaldo added that he’s simply focused on enjoying every moment: “I know I don’t have many years left to play, but I want to make the most of them.” That’s classic Ronaldo, driven, self-aware, and still in love with the game that made him a global icon.

Ronaldo’s journey from Madeira’s narrow streets to billionaire status in Riyadh is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s not just rewriting football records, he’s redefining what’s possible for athletes in the modern age. From goals to gold, from trophies to trademarks, Cristiano Ronaldo has built a legacy that transcends sport. He’s no longer just the boy who dreamed of being the best, he’s the man who became a brand, a billionaire, and a global symbol of ambition, discipline, and relentless success.

At 40, most players are winding down. Ronaldo? He’s just cashing in on the next big chapter of his unstoppable story.