Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese football star, has officially achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first footballer to reach billionaire status. This monumental financial achievement has been reported by both Bloomberg's Billionaires Index and Forbes, with Bloomberg estimating his net worth at an impressive $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion).

The valuation, confirmed for the first time by Bloomberg, takes into account a comprehensive range of income streams: his extensive career earnings, strategic investments, and lucrative endorsement deals. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr and Portugal captain has accumulated more than $550 million (£410 million) in salary alone between 2002 and 2023, during his stints with top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

A significant portion of Ronaldo's wealth stems from his highly profitable off-field ventures. He holds a long-standing and highly lucrative lifetime endorsement agreement with sportswear giant Nike, reportedly worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) annually. Furthermore, his personal brand, CR7, has diversified into a global commercial empire encompassing fashion lines, fragrances, eyewear, gyms, and hotels. With an astounding following of over 600 million on Instagram, Ronaldo also commands some of the highest advertising and promotional revenues globally, making his sponsored posts among the most expensive in the world.

His move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr club in 2022 played a pivotal role in accelerating his earnings. Upon joining, he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177 million. He later signed a new two-year deal, reportedly worth more than $400 million (£298 million), which will extend his tenure at the club beyond his 42nd birthday, further cementing his financial standing.

While his long-time rival, Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, also boasts substantial wealth – having earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary during his career – Bloomberg's analysis indicates that Ronaldo's comprehensive total earnings and diversified investment portfolio place him ahead. Messi's current guaranteed annual pay since 2023 is approximately $20 million (£15 million).

Beyond his financial prowess, Ronaldo's career has been adorned with numerous accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and leading Portugal to victory in Euro 2016. This latest financial milestone not only highlights his unparalleled global brand power but also solidifies his legacy as one of the most successful and dominant athletes, both on and off the pitch, in sporting history.