Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has extended his playing career and boosted his wealth, aided by a tax-free contract, part-ownership in Al Nassr, and major global endorsements, including Nike. At 40, he received the Prestige Award for his achievements.
Dubai
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached yet another remarkable milestone — becoming the first footballer in history to surpass a fortune of one billion euros, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Portuguese icon’s estimated net worth now stands at around $1.4 billion (€1.2 billion), driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and an extensive portfolio of global endorsements.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has not only extended his playing career but also greatly enhanced his financial empire. His tax-free contract and partial ownership stake in Al Nassr have significantly contributed to his growing wealth. Beyond football, Ronaldo remains a global marketing powerhouse, with major deals involving Nike, Armani, TAG Heuer, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton. His lifetime partnership with Nike alone is reportedly valued at £745 million (€864 million), marking his most profitable agreement to date.
Despite turning 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to collect accolades. At the Portugal Football Globes on Tuesday, he received the Prestige Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport. Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo reflected on his enduring passion for the game: “I’ve been with the national team for 22 years; if I could, I would play only for Portugal — it’s the peak of any player’s career.”
Addressing the award’s significance, Ronaldo clarified, “This isn’t an end-of-career honour, but a continuation of everything I’ve achieved and still aim to do.”