Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Soccer’s First Billionaire Player

Oct 8 (Reuters) – Cristiano Ronaldo has develop into the primary footballer to achieve billionaire standing, based on the most recent Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which has valued the Portugal nice’s web value at an estimated $1.4 billion.

The 40-year-old striker’s monetary ascent comes after he signed a brand new contract with Saudi aspect Al-Nassr in June reportedly value greater than $400 million.

Bloomberg mentioned that Ronaldo earned greater than $550 million in wage between 2002 and 2023, supplemented by a decade-long Nike deal value almost $18 million yearly, and profitable endorsements with Armani, Castrol and others that added greater than $175 million to his fortune.

Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in 2023 had already made him the highest-paid participant in soccer historical past, with an annual wage of 177 million kilos ($237.52 million), plus bonuses and a reported 15% share in his Saudi Arabia membership.

Argentina and Inter Miami ahead Lionel Messi has earned greater than $600 million in pre-tax wage throughout his profession.

Ronaldo’s billionaire standing locations him amongst a uncommon group of athletes that features basketball greats Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, golfer Tiger Woods and tennis participant Roger Federer.

Ronaldo recommended he isn’t contemplating retirement any time quickly.

“I nonetheless have a ardour for this,” he mentioned on the Portugal Soccer Globes gala on Tuesday. “My household says it’s time to stop and so they ask me why I wish to rating 1000 targets if I’ve already scored 900-something. However I don’t suppose that approach inside.

“I’m nonetheless producing good issues, I’m serving to my membership and the nationwide crew. Why not proceed? I’m certain that once I end I’ll go away full as a result of I gave every part of myself. I do know I don’t have a few years left to play, however the few I’ve left, I’ve to get pleasure from them to the fullest.”