Ronaldo becomes first active footballer billionaire after Al Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old Portugal forward, has become the first active footballer to reach billionaire status after a lucrative contract extension with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, a widely used billionaire index reported this week. The index placed his net worth at just over $1 billion, a milestone driven largely by the recent Saudi deal alongside longstanding endorsement and business earnings.

The contract extension with Al Nassr, reported as worth more than $400 million and structured with tax-free pay and additional commercial rights, pushed Ronaldo past the billion-dollar threshold. The agreement reportedly includes performance-related bonuses, signing payments and equity in the club, and provides off-field benefits such as private jet access. Those terms combined with multi-decade corporate partnerships and a diversified CR7 business portfolio were cited as the main contributors to his elevated net worth.

Ronaldo’s commercial portfolio spans long-term apparel and luxury brand partnerships and investments in hospitality, fitness, fashion and media. A lifetime deal with a major sportswear company and sponsorships with luxury labels have produced substantial...