Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which listed the Portuguese star’s net worth for the first time this week.
Bloomberg valued the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward at $1.4 billion, taking into account his career earnings, endorsement deals and investments.
The Index credited Ronaldo’s tax-free contract in Saudi Arabia and brand partnerships with Armani and Nike as key drivers of his rising fortune.
As reported by BBC Sport and ESPN on Wednesday, Ronaldo, already football’s highest-paid player, further boosted his wealth earlier this year when he signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr, reportedly worth over $400 million, keeping him at the Saudi Pro League side beyond his 42nd birthday.
ESPN reports that speaking to Canal 11, Ronaldo, who holds the men’s international goal record with 141 goals in 223 appearances, said he has no plans to retire despite pressure from his family.
“People, especially my family, say: ‘It’s time for you to stop. You’ve done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?’” Ronaldo said.
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“But I don’t think so. I think I’m still producing good things, I’m helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I’m sure that when I finish, I’ll be fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don’t have many more years, but the few I have, I try to enjoy to the fullest.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also received the Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globes on Tuesday.
“It’s not an end-of-career award,” Ronaldo said. “I see it as recognition of years of effort, dedication and ambition. I like winning, helping the younger generations, and they also help me maintain my level and continue competing.
That’s what excites me: competing with the younger ones. I still have a passion for this.”
According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s net worth has now surpassed $1 billion, cementing his position not just as one of the greatest players in football history, but also one of its most successful businessmen.
Punch
