CRISTIANO RONALDO has made history after becoming football’s first-ever BILLIONAIRE.
The Portugal legend, 40, has joined the Three Comma Club after signing a stunning new deal in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first-ever football billionaire[/caption]
The ace’s latest Al-Nassr contract has pocketed him £492million over the next two years[/caption]
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United and penned a record contract worth £173million per YEAR.
The veteran was then linked with a move away after entering the final stages of his deal.
But Ronaldo ended up signing fresh terms with his Middle Eastern side on even higher wages.
According to Bloomberg, CR7 is now set to bank a mind-boggling £492m over the next two years.
And that has seen his net worth rise to £1.045bn – making him the first billionaire footballer in history.
It’s seen him go clear of rival Lionel Messi, who trails Ronaldo with a net worth of £620m.
But Bloomberg adds that the Argentina World Cup winner could eventually close the gap, as he stands to earn a hefty stake in MLS side Inter Miami once he retires.
Ronaldo’s riches have been bolstered by a career of lucrative contracts with clubs including United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
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But off the pitch, the icon also enjoys plenty of stunning commercial deals.
Ronaldo has partnered with the likes of Nike, Armani, Herbalife and Tag Heuer throughout the years.
He has been a long-time partner with Nike[/caption]
Ronaldo also flogs his own CR7 merch[/caption]
He also has deals with Clear Shampoo, DAZN, LiveScore and Panini, while previously linking up with KFC.
And Ronaldo continues to push his global CR7 brand that flogs fragrances, apparel and underwear.
It means the gulf between Ronaldo and his rivals is vast, with Messi £400m behind in the net worth race of current players.
Ronaldo has made the most of his lucrative deals[/caption]
He has taken on partnerships with various companies[/caption]
Ronaldo once even ate KFC for an advert[/caption]
He is the face of numerous outlets in his native Portugal[/caption]
But the Barcelona legend himself is clear in second place, with closest competitor Neymar boasting the third-biggest net worth with £280m.
The gulf continues to be large, as fourth-place Kylian Mbappe has a net worth of £186m.
The top five is rounded off by Karim Benzema, who has £150m in the bank.
Paul Pogba, Son Heung-Min, Antoine Griezmann, Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski are also in the top 10.
While aces including Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez are not far behind.
