Bloomberg, a U.S.-based financial data and media company, has reported that 40-year-old Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire footballer in history.

For the first time, Ronaldo’s wealth has been included in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worth of the world’s richest individuals. According to Bloomberg, Ronaldo’s total wealth, encompassing his career earnings, investments, and brand endorsements, amounts to $1.4 billion, equivalent to over 17,540 crore Bangladeshi Taka.

The report states that from 2002 to 2023, Ronaldo earned more than $550 million in salaries. His income has been analyzed based on contracts and sponsorships, including a decade-long deal with Nike, valued at approximately $18 million annually.

In January 2023, Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, with an annual salary exceeding $237 million. After his contract expired in June this year, he renewed it for two more years, with the new deal valued at over $400 million.

According to Bloomberg, Lionel Messi’s pre-tax salary earnings total $600 million. Since 2023, Messi has been earning over $20 million annually, which is about one-tenth of Ronaldo’s earnings during the same period. However, the Argentine star is set to receive a stake in the ownership of Inter Miami after retiring from the field.