Cristiano Ronaldo net worth

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer, entrepreneur, and global sports icon. In June 2025, he officially became a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, following a historic contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Despite widespread rumors in earlier years, Ronaldo was not a billionaire prior to mid-2025.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades. His journey is defined by elite performance, extraordinary longevity, and one of the most commercially successful personal brands in sports history.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career and Football Legacy

Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has represented some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr.

Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and more than 30 major trophies. He is the all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team, and he remains the top scorer in Champions League history. He also became the first male footballer to score in five different FIFA World Cups.

With more than 900 official goals for club and country, Ronaldo is closing in on the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals, a feat no player has ever achieved.

Al Nassr Contract and Billionaire Milestone

In December 2022, Ronaldo shocked the football world by signing a €500 million, 2.5-year deal with Al Nassr. The contract immediately made him the highest-paid footballer in history and transformed global attention toward Saudi football.

In June 2025, Ronaldo signed a new extension that elevated his earnings to an entirely new level. The updated agreement, valid through June 2027, is valued at approximately $620 million over two years, making it the most lucrative contract in sports history.

Key elements of the deal include:

Base salary of roughly £178 million per year
A signing bonus that can rise to £38 million
A 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr
Private jet access, luxury housing, and full-time household staff
Performance bonuses for goals, assists, league titles, and continental trophies

Some reports suggest the total value of the deal could approach $900 million if all incentives and equity components are realized.

Tax-Free Saudi Earnings Advantage

One major reason Ronaldo’s Saudi contract accelerated his rise to billionaire status is taxation. Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax, meaning Ronaldo keeps nearly 100% of his salary and bonuses.

To earn the same net income in a European country with a top tax rate near 45%, Ronaldo would need to make almost double his Saudi salary. This tax-free structure provides a massive financial edge and significantly boosts his long-term wealth.

Endorsements and the CR7 Business Empire

Cristiano Ronaldo’s income extends far beyond football. He has built a global business empire anchored by his CR7 brand. His endorsement portfolio includes major global companies such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear Shampoo, TAG Heuer, and others.

Ronaldo signed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2016, reportedly worth $1 billion, including a $100 million signing bonus. He also owns CR7-branded clothing lines, fragrances, fitness centers, and co-owns the CR7 Pestana Hotel chain.

With the largest Instagram following in the world, Ronaldo earns millions annually through sponsored posts alone, reinforcing his status as one of the most marketable athletes in history.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, on the island of Madeira. Raised in a working-class family, he showed exceptional football talent at an early age.

At 12, he joined Sporting CP’s academy and later left school to pursue football full-time. Despite being diagnosed with a heart condition as a teenager, Ronaldo underwent successful surgery and returned to training within days—an early sign of the resilience that would define his career.

Career Earnings and Global Athlete Status

By the time he retires, Ronaldo is expected to surpass $2 billion in total career earnings from salaries and endorsements. This places him among the most financially successful athletes of all time, alongside legends such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey from a modest childhood in Madeira to becoming the richest footballer in history is unmatched. His record-breaking Saudi contract, combined with elite performance and commercial dominance, has secured his legacy as both a football legend and a global business icon.