Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Multi-Billionaire

Cristiano Ronaldo has 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, as reported by Daily Mail.

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

Ronaldo’s off the pitch earnings alone would surpass the total earnings of all but four of his peers.

Confirmation of Ronaldo’s continued position at the top of the rich list comes just days after he was fined a measly £215 by Portugal for walking out of their national team during the recent international window.

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.

Also Read: Ten Hag Accuses Cristiano Ronaldo Of Letting Man United Down

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, who briefly jumped above the pair into top spot when he signed a contract extension at PSG in 2022, 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.

Vinicius Jr’s earnings have jumped from £44million last year to £57million in the new list, after the Real Madrid star signed a new six-year contract in August.

The jump is also attributed to him becoming the face of Brazil’s national team in place of Neymar.

World Cup winner Lamine Yamal features on the list in sixth place, with the Barcelona teenager reported to have earned £41million over the past year.

Yamal’s earnings are narrowly ahead of Sadio Mane and Jude Bellingham, who banked £40million.