Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Soccers First Billionaire Before Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially reached a $1 billion net worth in 2025, boosted by a $224 million annual contract with Al Nassr, plus bonuses, endorsements, and a 15% club ownership. Though richer than Lionel Messi, Ronaldo isn't the wealthiest footballer, that title goes to Faiq Bolkiah, heir to a $20 billion Brunei royal fortune.

For the first time officially, Cristiano Ronaldo has reached billionaire status in 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. While earlier reports in 2020 claimed the milestone, those only reflected career earnings. Now, with actual net worth after taxes and expenses considered, Ronaldo has crossed the mark, largely due to his record-breaking deal with Saudi club Al Nassr.

The new contract, signed in June 2025, includes a $224 million annual salary, $48 million in signing bonuses, $42 million worth of club ownership, and lavish perks like a 16-person staff and $5 million in jet expenses. Add performance bonuses and endorsements, and the deal could total $936 million over two years. Ronaldo’s earnings now outpace Lionel Messi’s. In 2024, Forbes reported that Ronaldo earning $275 million annually, while Messi earned $135 million.

His CR7 brand was valued at $883.8 million in 2023, slightly ahead of Messi’s $850 million. Despite this, Ronaldo isn't the richest soccer player. That title belongs to Faiq Bolkiah, a Brunei royal and former Premier League youth player, whose family fortune exceeds $20 billion. Still, Ronaldo's rise from humble beginnings in Madeira to global billionaire cements his GOAT legacy, on and off the field.