Nigeria TV Info — Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer in History to Earn Over $1 Billion, Forbes Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially made history as the first footballer ever to earn more than $1 billion over the course of his career, according to a new report by Forbes. The milestone cements the Portuguese superstar’s position as not just one of the greatest athletes of all time, but also one of the wealthiest in global sports.

The 39-year-old forward, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, reached the billion-dollar threshold through a mix of record-breaking club contracts, lucrative endorsement deals, and successful business ventures.

Ronaldo’s immense wealth stems from his extraordinary football career, spanning iconic clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, alongside his current highly lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia — one of the richest in football history.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo has turned his brand into a global empire. His lifetime partnership with Nike, coupled with the success of his CR7 brand — covering fashion, fragrances, eyewear, gyms, and hotels — continues to generate enormous income.

With over 600 million followers on Instagram, Ronaldo is also among the highest-earning celebrities online, charging premium rates for promotional and advertising posts.

Forbes notes that his combined income from football and commercial ventures has now surpassed $1 billion, making him the first active footballer to achieve the landmark.

While his long-time rival Lionel Messi remains one of the world’s top earners, he has yet to reach the same career total.

Ronaldo’s 2022 move to Al Nassr further elevated his profile, expanding his influence across the Middle East and reinforcing his status as a global sporting and commercial icon.