• Cristiano Ronaldo is the first footballer to achieve billionaire status.
• His net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, according to Bloomberg.
• The wealth rise is attributed to a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr.
• Ronaldo has earned over $550 million in salary from 2002 to 2023.
• He continues to play actively, expressing no intention of retiring soon.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first footballer to reach billionaire status, with his net worth estimated at $1.4 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This financial milestone is credited to his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, which is reportedly worth more than $400 million. Over his career, Ronaldo has earned more than $550 million in salary from 2002 to 2023, complemented by endorsements and investments, particularly a long-standing deal with Nike worth nearly $18 million annually, among others, which have significantly bolstered his fortune, according to BBC, SCMP, Reuters, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and CBS News.

Ronaldo's recent contract with Al-Nassr not only made him the highest-paid football player in history but also included a notable tax exemption on his earnings. With an annual salary of approximately £177 million (about $237.52 million), his income far surpasses that of long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has earned around $600 million throughout his career, according to various financial reports and analyses from the aforementioned sources. His earnings place him within an elite group of wealthy athletes that includes legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods.

Despite his immense wealth, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down in his athletic career. At 40 years old, he is actively participating in competitions and scored 144 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal. He remarked, “I still have a passion for this...why not continue?” indicating his enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to contribute to both his club and national team, as he articulated during a recent gala event, according to BBC, SCMP, Reuters, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and CBS News.