Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first footballer to surpass $2 billion in career earnings
The 41-year-old forward reached the $2 billion mark after a year with $300 million in earnings, led by an Al‑Nassr contract and endorsement income.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in history to surpass $2 billion in career earnings. The 41-year-old forward reached the milestone after a year in which he reportedly earned $300 million, placing him once again at the top of the list of the world's highest-paid players.
Financial drivers
The biggest single contributor to Ronaldo’s income remains his lucrative contract with Al‑Nassr, which is reported to be worth about $250 million. On top of that, he collected roughly $50 million from endorsements and personal business ventures, an off-field sum that eclipses the combined earnings of most other players.
This landmark comes roughly six years after he became the first player to exceed $1 billion in career earnings. For the latest year, Lionel Messi took second place with $145 million, marking the twelfth time in the last thirteen years that the two have occupied the top two spots on the list.
Messi’s commercial revenue of $75 million surpassed his on-field salary of $70 million, underscoring the growing importance of sponsorship and business income even for top-earning professionals.
The new milestone for Ronaldo consolidates his status as the highest-earning figure in world football and highlights how contracts and off-field deals now shape the richest careers in the sport.
Photo: press material from the event
