Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to join the billionaires’ club, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 40-year-old Al Nassr star is now worth $1.4 billion, boosted by his football career, sponsorship deals, and smart investments.
Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s huge earnings in Saudi Arabia and partnerships with brands like Nike and Armani have helped grow his wealth.
Earlier this year, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a new two-year contract with Al Nassr said to be worth over $400 million, keeping him at the club until after his 42nd birthday.
Despite his age, Ronaldo said he is not ready to retire yet.
“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything.’ But I don’t think so,” he told Canal 11. “I’m still helping my club and my country, and I want to enjoy the few years I have left.”
Ronaldo, who holds the men’s international goal record with 141 goals in 223 games, also won the Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globes this week.
“It’s not an end-of-career award,” he said. “It’s recognition for my years of hard work and ambition. Competing with younger players keeps me motivated.”
With his fortune now above $1 billion, Bloomberg says Ronaldo has not only made history on the pitch but also in the business world.
