Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in history to achieve billionaire status, according to estimates by Bloomberg. The leading US financial news agency estimates the forward’s total net worth at approximately $1.4 billion, securing his place on the prestigious Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

A decisive factor in propelling the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus striker to this nine-figure fortune was his lucrative contract extension with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Signed in June of last year, the deal is reported to have earned the Portuguese player more than $400 million in direct compensation. Importantly, the income earned in Saudi Arabia is tax-free, and sources indicate his contract also includes a stake in the club and access to a private jet. Beyond his playing salary, major long-term endorsement deals with global brands like Nike and Armani have provided a substantial and constant stream of income.

Ronaldo, known as CR7, primarily focuses his investments in his native Portugal, working with a small, trusted group to analyze potential deals. His portfolio is heavy on high-value property, including a luxury residence in Madeira and an exclusive apartment in Lisbon that set a record for the price per square meter in the capital. He is currently developing an imposing property in the upmarket Quinta da Marinha area near Lisbon, valued at around £20 million, and has shown interest in lifestyle ventures such as the City of Padel club in Lisbon.

Despite the astronomical sums in his account, the 40-year-old has no intention of retiring soon. While receiving the ‘Globe Prestige Award’ in Portugal, Ronaldo stated, “I believe I can still offer a lot to the national team and to football. I want to keep playing for a few more years, but not many, to be honest.” He concluded with a forward-looking perspective: “My philosophy is to live day by day. No long-term plans. I enjoy every day and every training session.”

The report also highlighted the financial duel with his lifelong rival, Lionel Messi. While the two have long battled for on-field accolades and historically earned similar pay, Ronaldo’s move to the Gulf created a major financial discrepancy compared to the salary Messi received at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. However, the financial scales could eventually balance out, as Messi’s contract with the American team includes a unique clause: a promise to receive a stake in the Inter Miami club upon his retirement from football.

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