Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football's first multi-billionaire

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By Linda Ikeji 22 October 2026, 5:31 pm 0 comments

Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly become football's first multi-billionaire after the veteran forward raked in £225million this year.

According to Forbes, the Portuguese legend reportedly passed the $2billion mark in career earnings earlier this year, just six years after he was the first footballer to surpass $1billion.

Ronaldo's status comes as he again topped Forbes' football rich list, aided by the 41-year-old continuing to earn a lucrative salary at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, estimated at £ 488,000 per day.

It was also revealed by Forbes that Ronaldo has earned £42million off the pitch over the course of the year, which has come via endorsements and his business ventures.

Ronaldo is joined in the top two by his longtime rival Lionel Messi, with the pair occupying the highest two positions for the 12th time in the last 13 years.

Inter Miami star Messi is estimated to have earned £109million over the past year and is expected to soon join Ronaldo in passing the $2billion career earnings milestone.

The Argentine legend's total consists of over £52million in on-pitch earnings, boosted by a further £56million from sponsorships and commercial deals. 

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe occupies third place on the list at £75million.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr complete the top five with total earnings of £64million and £57million respectively.