Cristiano Ronaldo Is Now Officially A Billionaire After Minting Mind-Numbing Al Nassr Contract Extension

In June 2020, a wave of headlines flooded the internet claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo had "reached billionaire status" or was "officially the first soccer billionaire." Unfortunately, those headlines were wrong—or, more accurately, they were based on a common misunderstanding. What actually happened was that Ronaldo had earned $105 million in salary and endorsements over the previous 12 months, which pushed his total career earnings past the $1 billion threshold. That milestone placed him in an elite club of athletes who had generated over $1 billion in career income, joining names like Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, and Michael Jordan. But at that point, Cristiano was not a billionaire in terms of net worth. He had earned a billion, yes—but after taxes, spending, and investments, he was still likely a few hundred million short of true billionaire status.

Fast forward exactly five years. A lot has happened. The most significant change came in December 2022, when Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United and signed a mind-bending contract with Saudi club Al Nassr—a deal so large it redefined the economics of global sports.

Now, thanks to a new extension signed in June 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo is earning more money annually than any athlete in history. And for the first time, there is no ambiguity: Cristiano Ronaldo's net worth is now officially in billionaire status.

(Photo by Elie Hokayem/Saudi Pro League via Getty Images)

The $620 Million Contract That Changed Everything

Ronaldo's initial deal with Al Nassr in December 2022 was already historic. At the time, reports valued the two-and-a-half-year contract at up to €200 million ($210 million) per year, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world. The deal included salary, commercial bonuses, and image rights, and it instantly made headlines around the globe.

But that original contract now looks modest compared to the record-shattering extension Ronaldo signed in June 2025. The new deal, which runs through June 2027, is reportedly worth £492 million, or about $620 million over two years. It is the most lucrative player contract in sports history by a wide margin.

Here's what's included:

• $224 million per year in base salary
• A $31 million signing bonus, rising to $48 million if he completes the full term
• A 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, valued at approximately $42 million
• $5 million worth of private jet expenses paid by the club
• A 16-person full-time household staff covered by Al Nassr
• Bonus incentives totaling up to $20 million
• Additional $76 million in commercial deals and sponsorships

It Could Actually Be Bigger

When you add it all up, some reports suggest the total value of the contract could reach as high as $936 million, or $468 million per year, if every bonus and sponsorship is triggered.

The Face of a League, and a Country's Sporting Future

Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia in 2022 was initially viewed as a post-prime cash grab. But two years later, he's the undisputed face of the Saudi Pro League, helping to lure global stars like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N'Golo Kanté to the region. His presence has helped Saudi Arabia boost its international sports profile ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

And make no mistake—Al Nassr knew exactly what they had to do to keep him. A source close to the deal told reporters the club had to "cover him in gold" to ward off interest from Club World Cup teams and keep Ronaldo anchored as the league's global ambassador.

Now, with his new billionaire status and a contract unlike anything the sport has ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo has done what he's always done: rewritten the rules of what's possible—for athletes, for brands, and for his own legacy.