In recent months, Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines not only for his performance on the pitch but now also for officially achieving billionaire status. After years of earnings and various contracts, a groundbreaking deal with Saudi club Al Nassr has propelled him into a new financial echelon. This article explores the details of his remarkable journey and impressive contract.
The Journey to Billionaire Status
In June 2020, reports circulated that Cristiano Ronaldo had achieved “billionaire status” after earning $105 million in salary and endorsements over the previous year. However, these headlines were misleading; while his career earnings surpassed the $1 billion mark, his net worth did not yet qualify him as a billionaire due to taxes, spending, and investments. Fast forward to December 2022, when Ronaldo signed a monumental contract with Saudi club Al Nassr, marking a significant shift in the global sports economy.
As of June 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo’s financial situation has evolved accordingly. Thanks to a new contract extension, his annual earnings now eclipse those of any athlete in history, and he has officially crossed into billionaire territory regarding net worth.
(Photo by Elie Hokayem/Saudi Pro League via Getty Images)
The Contract That Redefined Earnings
Ronaldo’s initial contract with Al Nassr, signed in December 2022, was already a historic moment in sports. Reportedly valued at up to €200 million ($210 million) annually for two and a half years, this deal made him the highest-paid athlete in the world, encompassing base salary, commercial bonuses, and image rights. However, a record-breaking extension signed in June 2025 has taken this financial achievement to even greater heights.
This new contract, which extends through June 2027, is valued at approximately £492 million, equating to around $620 million over two years. It is considered the most lucrative player contract in sports history. The specifics include:
- $224 million per year in base salary
- A $31 million signing bonus, increasing to $48 million upon the completion of the contract
- A 15% equity stake in Al Nassr, valued at about $42 million
- Coverage of $5 million in private jet expenses
- A full-time household staff of 16 supported by Al Nassr
- Incentive bonuses totaling up to $20 million
- Additional income from commercial deals and sponsorships amounting to $76 million
Impact on Global Sports and Legacy
Looking ahead, the value of Ronaldo’s contract could potentially reach as high as $936 million, depending on bonus and sponsorship triggers. Initially perceived as a financial decision later in his career, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has transformed him into the face of the Saudi Pro League. His status has attracted other global talent, including stars like Karim Benzema and Neymar, as the nation prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Al Nassr clearly understood the necessity of impressive compensation to retain Ronaldo against competing global clubs. A source close to the situation revealed that the club needed to “cover him in gold” to deter interest and ensure his presence as the league’s ambassador.
With his newfound billionaire status and an unprecedented contract, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to challenge the boundaries of what is possible in sports, setting new standards for athletes, brands, and his own legacy.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
