Cristiano Ronaldo is the first footballer to be ranked a billionaire. Reuters, citing the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, reported in October 2025 that his wealth had reached an estimated $1.4 billion. That’s a big number, and it’s easy to assume it all came from kicking a ball. It didn’t. Here’s where the money actually comes from, and how much of it is salary versus everything else.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth at a glance
- Estimated net worth: about $1.4 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index, via Reuters, October 2025).
- Current club: Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League.
- Reported Al Nassr salary: around £177 million ($237 million) a year, plus bonuses.
- Career salary 2002 to 2023: more than $550 million, according to Bloomberg.
- Longest endorsement: Nike, a lifetime-style deal reported at nearly $18 million a year.
Net worth figures for athletes are estimates. Nobody outside Ronaldo’s accountants sees the full picture, so treat any single number as a well-informed range rather than a bank balance.
How much does Ronaldo earn per week?
This is the question most people really want answered. Using the reported annual salary of roughly $237 million, Ronaldo’s pay works out to about $4.5 million a week before bonuses and tax. Saudi Arabia charges no personal income tax on salaries, which is part of why the league can offer such high figures. Reports say his June 2025 extension is worth more than $400 million over its length, and includes a reported 15% stake in the club.
Compare that with the earlier part of his career. Bloomberg puts his total salary between 2002 and 2023 at more than $550 million across Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and a second spell at United. In other words, a single Saudi contract pays him close to what two decades in Europe did.
Where the rest of the money comes from
Endorsements
Nike has been his main partner for more than a decade, reported at nearly $18 million a year. Add Armani, Castrol and other brands, and Bloomberg estimates these deals brought in over $175 million. Ronaldo is also one of the most followed people on social media, which gives every partnership extra reach.
The CR7 brand and business interests
Beyond sponsorship, he runs his own CR7 line, which covers fashion, fragrances, hotels and gyms. These ventures are less predictable than salary, but they keep earning after the playing days end, which is the point of building them.
Ownership stakes
Equity matters more over time than any single paycheque. The reported stake in Al Nassr is a good example of a player turning a contract into ownership.
Ronaldo vs Messi: who has earned more?
Bloomberg’s figures put Lionel Messi’s pre-tax salary earnings above $600 million. On pure salary the two are close. Ronaldo pulls ahead on reported total wealth largely because of the Saudi deals and his long list of commercial partners. If you want the wider picture, see our guide to the player profiles we keep on the sport’s biggest names.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ronaldo really a billionaire?
According to Bloomberg and Reuters, yes. He was the first active footballer to cross the $1 billion mark. The exact figure varies between publications because each uses different methods.
How much does Ronaldo make per day?
On the reported salary alone, roughly $650,000 a day before bonuses and tax. Endorsements and business income come on top.
Who is the richest footballer in the world?
Ronaldo tops most rankings, followed by Lionel Messi and then a gap to other stars. We’ll cover the full top ten in a separate guide.
The takeaway
Ronaldo’s wealth is a mix of record-breaking salaries, long-running brand deals and equity. The football income is the engine, but the business side is what turned a rich athlete into a billionaire.
Sources: Reuters via Dawn (8 October 2025), reporting on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
