Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, with a net worth of $1.4 billion, driven by a lucrative Al-Nassr contract, endorsements, and strategic investments, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The 40-year-old Portuguese star’s wealth surged due to his extended deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, valued at over $400 million, including a tax-free salary, performance bonuses, a $30 million signing bonus, club equity, and private jet access.

Bloomberg estimates Ronaldo earned $550 million in salaries from 2002 to 2023, bolstered by a decade-long Nike contract worth $18 million annually and over $175 million from endorsements with brands like Armani and Castrol.

His move to Al-Nassr, announced in June 2025 as a pursuit of a “new challenge” after dominating Europe, significantly elevated his financial standing.

Ronaldo’s rival, Lionel Messi, has earned over $600 million in pre-tax salary, including $20 million annually since joining Inter Miami in 2023, plus an Apple revenue-sharing deal. However, Messi’s recent earnings are roughly a tenth of Ronaldo’s.

Both benefit from football’s pay inflation, far surpassing David Beckham’s $100 million career earnings upon retirement in 2013.

In a parallel milestone, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan also joined the billionaire ranks with a $1.4 billion net worth, per the 2025 Hurun India Rich List, fueled by his production house Red Chillies Entertainment and the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team.

Other celebrity billionaires include Steven Spielberg ($7.1 billion), George Lucas ($5.5 billion), Michael Jordan ($3.2 billion), and Taylor Swift ($1.6 billion), highlighting the blend of talent and business acumen driving such wealth.

Ronaldo’s achievement underscores the evolving economics of elite sports, where strategic endorsements and global brand value create unprecedented financial opportunities.