Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his status as not only a footballing legend but also a financial titan, leaving his long-time rival Lionel Messi trailing in the wealth stakes. Recent reports confirm that Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, boasting a staggering net worth of $1.4 billion. This milestone sets him apart in the world of sports, where only a handful of athletes have achieved such financial success.
Ronaldo's journey to billionaire status is attributed to a combination of factors, including lucrative salaries, extensive endorsement deals, and thriving personal business ventures. His move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2023 significantly boosted his earnings, with a reported tax-free package worth $200 million per year in salary and bonuses, plus a $30 million signing bonus. In June 2025, he extended his contract with Al Nassr, finalizing what is considered the most lucrative deal in sports history, worth approximately $620 million over two years. This contract includes an unprecedented combination of salary, bonuses, and lifestyle perks. Forbes estimates Ronaldo's on- and off-field earnings for the 2025-2026 season at $280 million.
Endorsements have also played a crucial role in Ronaldo's financial success. His decade-long deal with Nike brings him around $18 million annually, while partnerships with brands like Armani and Castrol have added approximately $175 million to his total wealth. Furthermore, Ronaldo has built a personal brand, CR7, encompassing hotels, gyms, fashion, and other ventures.
In comparison, Lionel Messi's net worth is estimated to be between $650 million and $850 million. While still a considerable fortune, it falls short of Ronaldo's billionaire status. Messi's earnings come from football contracts, sponsorships, and his own lifestyle brand, the Messi Store. His transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer opened new financial opportunities, including ownership stakes and commercial partnerships. Messi's annual income from his Inter Miami contract is around $60 million, with additional earnings from endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser.
While Messi has earned over $1 billion in career earnings, including salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, he has not yet reached billionaire status. Despite some reports to the contrary, Messi is not a billionaire.
The difference in net worth between Ronaldo and Messi can be attributed to several factors. Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia provided a significant financial boost due to the tax-free nature of his earnings. Additionally, Ronaldo's CR7 brand has a wider reach and generates more revenue than Messi's business ventures. Ronaldo’s estimated earnings from salary and endorsements is approximately $275 million, with $225 million from salary and winnings and $50 million from endorsements.
David Beckham, retired from professional soccer, has a net worth of $450 million. Neymar Jr.’s net worth is approximately $250 million.
Cristiano Ronaldo's achievement of becoming football's first billionaire underscores his exceptional talent, marketability, and business acumen. While Lionel Messi remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Ronaldo's financial success has propelled him to a new level of wealth, solidifying his place as the richest footballer in the world.
