Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first billionaire footballer, reaching an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is valuing his fortune for the first time.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star has built his wealth over a two-decade career at some of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Off the pitch, he’s signed major endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Armani, and now plays for Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr under a contract reportedly worth more than $400 million.
Ronaldo’s current net worth has left many people wondering, Who are the top 10 richest athletes in the world?
Top 10 richest athletes by net worth
Here are the top 10 richest athletes by net worth, from Michael Jordan to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Michael Jordan remains the wealthiest athlete in the world, topping CelebrityNetWorth’s 2025 list with an estimated $3.6 billion. The NBA legend continues to profit from his Jordan Brand royalties and massive investments, keeping him well ahead of other sports icons.
Former tennis player turned billionaire investor Ion Țiriac follows with $2 billion, while Junior Bridgeman rounds out the top four — the former NBA star built empires through fast-food, real estate, and team ownership. Golf legend Tiger Woods and LeBron James also remain in the billionaire tier, driven by endorsement deals and diversified business ventures.
Rounding out the top ten are tennis legends Roger Federer and Anna Kasprzak, whose wealth comes from lucrative sponsorships and business holdings. The updated list highlights how today’s biggest athletes have transformed fame into billion-dollar portfolios, blending competition, commerce, and culture.
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