Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first billionaire footballer, according to a report

The football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player in his sport to become a billionaire, thus joining the ranks of the richest athletes.

Catapulted by a contract with a Saudi team, the Portuguese veteran, now 40, is the first footballer to be worth 10 digits, Bloomberg reported.

Ronaldo recently signed a two-year contract with the Al-Nassr FC, based in Riyadh, a team that participates in the Saudi Pro League, worth more than $ 400 million, according to Bloomberg. Ronaldo does not have to pay taxes on his Saudi income.

The Bloomberg Billionaire index assesses the net value of the champion athlete at $ 1.4 billion, which is the first time a football player is on the list. The media notes that its net value represents its career income, as well as its investments and its sponsorships.

Ronaldo, from Madeira, in Portugal, abandoned school at 14 to focus on football. He has concluded lucrative sponsorship contracts with Nike, Armani and Castrol, among others, according to his website.

It also has various companies, including its CR7 brand of underwear, shoes and perfumes. On Instagram, he has more than 665 million followers, which makes him a desired brand partner.

Ronaldo’s wealth is unique insofar as it depends largely on her salary, as opposed to brand partnerships or other investments.

He is ahead of his rival Lionel Messi, who earns $ 135 million, according to the forbes list of best paid athletes in the world. Messi plays for the Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, whose owners include David Beckham.