Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first active footballer to join the billionaire ranks, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, which listed the Portuguese superstar’s net worth for the first time this week.
Ronaldo, already the highest-paid player in world football, saw his wealth soar this year after signing a massive contract extension with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, reportedly worth over $400 million.
Bloomberg cited his tax-free earnings in Saudi Arabia alongside lucrative endorsement deals with Armani and Nike as key factors in pushing his net worth past the billion-dollar mark.
The 40-year-old joins an elite group of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, though he is the first to reach the milestone while still actively playing.
‘Why do you want to score a thousand goals?’ — Ronaldo’s Response
Cristiano Ronaldo have insisted and made it clear that despite his financial success and record-breaking career, he’s not ready to hang up his boots.
Speaking to Canal 11, the Portugal captain revealed the ongoing conversations with his loved ones:
“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?” Ronaldo said.
“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going?”
“I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
Still Breaking Records at 40
Ronaldo remains a key figure for both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team.
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He has scored five goals in six appearances across all competitions for Al Nassr this season.
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Recently, he became joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 39 goals after netting against Hungary.
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He remains men’s all-time international top scorer, with 141 goals in 223 caps for Portugal.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has scored over 940 career goals and signed a new Al Nassr deal that keeps him in Saudi Arabia until June 2027.
Cristiano Ronaldo Still Winning Trophies
Adding to his long list of accolades, Ronaldo received the Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globes on Tuesday.
“It’s not an end-of-career award,” he said. “I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication and ambition.”
“I like winning, helping the younger generations and they also help me maintain my level and continue competing.”
“That’s what excites me: competing with the younger ones. I still have a passion for this.”
Ronaldo Still Hungry at 40
Ronaldo currently leads men’s international football in scoring with 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal.
He recently became joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifying history by netting his 39th goal in a win against Hungary.
He has scored five goals in six appearances for Al Nassr this season, continuing to defy age and expectations.
“I often say to you that if I could, I would only play football for the national team, I wouldn’t play for any other club because it is the culmination and the peak of a football player,” he explained.
“It’s an honor for me to play for the national team.”
Ronaldo also signed a new contract with Al Nassr, keeping him in Saudi Arabia until June 2027, and led Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in June.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend has now scored over 940 career goals, edging ever closer to his dream of 1,000.
Eyes on 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to be his final tournament, Ronaldo remains focused on the present.
Ronaldo and Portugal host Republic of Ireland in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier before facing Hungary on October 14.
“I’m sure the next games will go well and that we will qualify for the World Cup,” Ronaldo said.
“Obviously, our goal is to go to the World Cup and win, but we have to take everything step by step.”
A Billionaire Who Still Dreams
Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise from Madeira to billionaire status is unmatched in football history. But as his quotes make clear; he’s not just counting money, he’s still counting goals.
“I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
