Cristiano Ronaldo earned $105 million before taxes and fees over the past year, placing him No. 4 on the 2020 Forbes Celebrity 100 list—one spot ahead of his longtime rival, Lionel Messi. This milestone also makes him the first soccer player in history to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.
At 35 years old, Ronaldo becomes only the third active athlete to reach the billion-dollar mark, joining Tiger Woods (2009) and Floyd Mayweather (2017). He is also the first team-sport athlete to achieve this feat. Over 17 years as a pro, he has earned $650 million from salaries alone and is projected to reach $765 million before his contract ends in June 2022. Messi, who debuted three years later, has earned $605 million in salary since 2005.
Even other sporting legends pale in comparison. The closest competitor among team athletes was Alex Rodriguez, who retired in 2016 with $450 million in MLB earnings. Soccer icon David Beckham ended his career with $500 million, half of which came from endorsements.
A Rivalry That Redefined Soccer
Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry exploded in 2009, when Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in Spain’s La Liga, while Messi remained at Barcelona. Their battles were not only electrifying on the pitch but also lucrative, pushing clubs to new financial heights through skyrocketing attendance and broadcasting deals.
Both players dominated European football:
- Messi’s Barcelona won six La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies during this period.
- Ronaldo’s Real Madrid secured two La Liga titles and four Champions League victories.
- Each player won four Ballon d’Or awards between 2009 and 2018.
- El Clásico (the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid showdown) became a global television sensation.
Their contrasting styles only added to the spectacle. Ronaldo, ever the showman, celebrated each goal with flair, while Messi remained humble, often crediting his teammates.
Leveraging Celebrity Status
While their sporting achievements are comparable, Ronaldo’s commercial success is unmatched. Managed by Jorge Mendes of Gestifute, Ronaldo built an empire around his looks, fashion, and social media presence. In January 2020, he became the first person to surpass 200 million Instagram followers, with a combined social media following of 427 million across platforms—making him the most popular athlete on the planet.
His endorsement portfolio is staggering:
- Nike pays him $20 million annually, securing a lifetime deal in 2016, joining only Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
- Brand partnerships with Clear Shampoo, Herbalife, Abbott, and others add $45 million to his annual income.
- His personal brand, CR7, includes underwear, footwear, fragrances, denim, and even hotels in partnership with Pestana Hotel Group.
- He has invested in CR7 gyms, a YouTube fitness series, and even a social media influencing course with eCampus University in Italy.
The Rivalry Continues
Despite his earnings milestone, Ronaldo’s financial journey isn’t slowing down. His 2020 salary of $60 million was slightly reduced due to a 30% pay cut amid the pandemic. Meanwhile, Messi, who earned $104 million after taking a 70% pay cut, is set to join the billion-dollar club as early as 2021, before his Barcelona contract expires.
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to becoming soccer’s first billion-dollar player is a testament to his exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and savvy business acumen. His rivalry with Lionel Messi has not only defined an era of football but has also driven both players to unprecedented financial and sporting success.
Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo’s ability to leverage his brand, social media influence, and endorsement deals has set a new benchmark for athletes worldwide. As he continues to break records and expand his business empire, his legacy as both a football icon and a global brand remains unparalleled.
With Messi poised to join the billion-dollar club soon, the competition between these two legends is far from over. Their impact on football and sports business will be felt for generations to come.
