Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first football player to earn a billion dollars.
The 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s wealth has been quantified for the first time by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This external database tracks the wealthiest individuals in the world according to their net worth.
The estimation places Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), encompassing endorsements, investments, and professional earnings.
It breaks down his alleged profits through sponsorship and deals, including a ten-year deal worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually with Nike, and claims that he received over $550 million (£410 million) in income between 2002 and 2023.
Ronaldo reportedly earned £177 million a year when he joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022, making him the highest-paid player in football history.
He signed a new two-year contract, allegedly worth over $400 million (£298 million), which will keep him with the team until his 42nd birthday. His previous contract was set to expire in June 2025.
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According to Bloomberg, Lionel Messi, a forward for Argentina and Inter Miami who spent many years playing alongside Ronaldo while they were in Spain, has made over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax income over his career.
This includes $20 million (£15 million) in guaranteed yearly compensation since 2023, or around 10% of Ronaldo’s earnings over that time.
Messi, 38, is expected to receive a share in Inter Miami upon his retirement.
Thomas Partey, the former football player for Arsenal, has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.
At Southwark Crown Court, the Ghanaian midfielder entered a not guilty plea to five rape charges and one sexual assault charge.
The 32-year-old played in the Premier League regularly between 2021 and 2022, when the alleged incidents occurred. After his contract expired at the end of June, he left the north London club and was charged four days later.
Until his trial, which is scheduled to begin at the same court on November 2 of next year, Mr Partey was given bail.
Before entering a not guilty plea to each of the allegations against him, he spoke to verify his identity.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Villareal of Spain, was in England on Tuesday when his new team took on Spurs in the Champions League. He entered as a substitute in what ended up being his team’s 1-0 defeat.
