Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first athlete whose combined earnings from his sporting career and business activities have reached $2 billion. The figure is based on calculations by Forbes magazine.

According to the publication, Ronaldo is expected to earn $250 million for playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr during the 2026–2027 season. His income from advertising contracts and other commercial ventures is projected to amount to an additional $50 million.

Meanwhile, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, who plays for the US club Inter Miami, is also expected to see his total career earnings exceed $2 billion next year.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is regarded as one of the most successful players in football history. He has won the Ballon d’Or five times, claimed the UEFA Champions League title on five occasions, become a European champion, and won the UEFA Nations League twice.

Ronaldo is also recognised as one of the highest-scoring players in the history of national teams, the European Championship, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Portuguese forward has played for Al-Nassr since December 2022. During his career, he has also represented Sporting CP in Portugal, Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain, and Juventus in Italy.