Where Cristiano Ronaldo’s fortune really comes from: Here is what we know

ISLAMABAD: When sacrifice and passion are pursued for glory on the global stage, the rewards often shine in unexpected ways — just as global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has shown, with the Portuguese star stunning the world through a sharp rise in his wealth. The question stands — how did he do it?

The bulk of the world’s first billionaire footballer’s fortune comes directly from his salary. According to Bloomberg’s sports wealth index, Ronaldo’s renewed contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has become the driving force behind his soaring income.

The Portuguese legend’s latest deal with Al Nassr is reportedly worth $400 million in total, propelling him into the exclusive ranks of the world’s richest athletes. His net worth now stands at an astonishing $1.4 billion, making him the first footballer to achieve this milestone, Bloomberg reports.

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Ronaldo, who made his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon at just 17, went on to achieve remarkable success with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Alongside his club earnings, he has secured lucrative endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Armani, and Castrol. Still, it’s his contract with Al Nassr that has truly supercharged his overall wealth.

Adding to his fortune, Ronaldo reportedly holds a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr, enjoys exclusive perks such as private jet access, and receives substantial performance bonuses.

Perhaps the biggest financial advantage comes from Saudi Arabia’s zero income tax policy, which spares him from the 48 per cent tax rate he would face in Portugal — a key factor in his staggering net worth.

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Unlike other sports icons such as Roger Federer and Michael Jordan, who built their fortunes primarily through brand ownership, Ronaldo’s wealth stems predominantly from his salary, setting him apart even among the world’s most successful athletes.

Separately, the Portugal’s striker also became the second player in history with the most goals in the World Cup qualifiers following his goal against Armenia in September.

In August, Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez also announced their engagement, marking a huge milestone for the couple who have been together for nearly a decade.

Rodriguez revealed the news on the image-sharing social media platform Instagram. Her post featured a diamond ring and a heartfelt caption, quickly igniting excitement across the internet.