Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo has becomes football’s first-ever billionaire ahead of Lionel Messi – with his Barcelona rival to follow suit next year. The Juventus star, 35, has become only the THIRD sports star to reach the milestone, joining Tiger Woods and Floyd Mayweather Jr, according to Forbes Ronaldo raked in £85million in the last year from his wages and endorsement deals, pushing him into the billions for career earnings. His annual earnings were actually down nine per cent, after he took a £3.5m cut on his wages due to coronavirus. But it was still enough for Ronaldo to reach the $1bn mark before friendly rival Messi. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo has pocketed over £500m during his career from wages alone.