Cristiano Ronaldo has added another historic milestone to his name. The Portuguese star has officially become the first footballer to join the billionaire club, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
This achievement comes after his contract extension with Al Nassr, reportedly worth over $400 million, including equity and performance bonuses. It’s one of the most lucrative deals ever seen in football.
But Ronaldo’s wealth isn’t just from football. Over the years, he has built a strong CR7 business empire across fashion, hospitality, clothing, fragrance and endorsements, turning himself into a global brand.
Beyond being the first billionaire footballer, here are 5 other fascinating facts you may not know about Cristiano Ronaldo:
1. He’s the most followed person on social media
Ronaldo holds the record as the most followed personality in the world, with over 1 billion followers combined across Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and more. His online influence is unmatched.
2. An airport was named after him
In his hometown of Madeira, the international airport now carries his name in honour of his legendary career and global impact. It’s a rare honour usually reserved for historical icons.
3. He has no tattoos
Unlike many footballers, Ronaldo does not have any tattoos. His reason is simple: he’s a regular blood and bone marrow donor and wants to avoid the waiting period required after getting inked so he can donate more frequently.
4. He was named after a U.S. President
Cristiano’s father admired Ronald Reagan, the American actor-turned-president. That admiration inspired his parents to name him Cristiano Ronaldo, believing the name carried strength and uniqueness.
5. He’s the highest-paid footballer in the world
With his Al Nassr contract and massive endorsement deals, Ronaldo currently sits at the top of the global earnings chart. He’s not just football’s first billionaire, he’s also the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2025.
