On June 5, 2026, Forbes officially declared both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as billionaires, marking a historic financial milestone in football. This simultaneous confirmation by the esteemed publication settles one aspect of their enduring rivalry, which has captivated fans for nearly two decades.
A Rivalry Redefined by Financial Success
The debate over who is the superior footballer between Messi and Ronaldo has defined an era, with each player boasting eight Ballon d’Or awards and a combined 14 Champions League titles. Their on-field achievements are legendary, but their financial careers have now reached an unprecedented level of success.
Forbes reported Ronaldo’s net worth at approximately $1.2 billion and Messi’s at $1 billion, making them the first footballers in history to simultaneously achieve ten-figure fortunes. This feat is remarkable given football’s century-long professional history and its status as the world’s most popular sport.
Ronaldo’s Saudi Gamble and Diversified Empire
Cristiano Ronaldo’s path to billionaire status was significantly accelerated by his move to Saudi Arabia. After signing a contract extension with Al Nassr in June 2025, valued between $400 million and $620 million including bonuses, his financial trajectory shifted dramatically.
His decision to join Al Nassr in January 2023, when he was 37, was widely perceived as a career winding down. However, it was a shrewd financial maneuver, capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s lack of personal income tax. A European salary of equivalent gross value would yield significantly less after taxes.
The key to Ronaldo’s financial elevation was not just his salary but also a 15 percent equity stake in Al Nassr. This ownership position means his wealth can appreciate as the Saudi Pro League attracts further investment, transforming him from a player into a stakeholder.
Beyond his club earnings, Ronaldo benefits from a lifetime deal with Nike, reportedly worth $20 million to $30 million annually, designed to extend far beyond his playing career. His business ventures include the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, CR7 fashion and fragrance lines, a massive social media presence commanding significant sponsorship fees, and substantial real estate holdings.
Messi’s Strategic Miami Deal and Structured Wealth
Lionel Messi’s journey to billionaire status was more gradual and structurally distinct, eschewing a lucrative Saudi offer in favor of a unique deal with Inter Miami in 2023.
While his $28.3 million annual salary from Inter Miami is the highest in MLS history, it represents only a fraction of his total earnings. His contract includes a revenue-sharing component tied to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, benefiting from the surge in subscriptions following his arrival.
Crucially, Messi holds a no-cost equity option in Inter Miami CF, exercisable upon retirement. The franchise’s valuation has soared since his arrival, significantly increasing the potential value of his equity stake. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has cited a total annual package for Messi ranging from $70 million to $80 million.
Messi’s financial diversification extends to a lifetime partnership with Adidas, valued at approximately $25 million annually. His broad endorsement portfolio includes major brands like Mastercard, Pepsi, and Apple, generating an estimated $75 million in annual endorsement income in 2025.
A sophisticated element of his wealth is Edificio Rostower Socimi, a Spanish real estate investment trust his family office took public. This REIT, holding various properties across Spain, formalizes a real estate empire built over years of European earnings. His investments also span MiM Hotels, properties in major cities, and a stake in the popular Kings League.
Two Paths, One Unprecedented Milestone
The Forbes confirmation highlights two distinct yet equally successful financial philosophies. Ronaldo built a highly visible, personal brand-driven empire, leveraging a single, game-changing contract and extensive business ventures.
Messi, conversely, cultivated a more diversified and structured financial portfolio. His strategic decision to prioritize equity and revenue-sharing in Miami over immediate Saudi millions demonstrates a long-term wealth-building approach.
While the debate over their on-field legacies will continue, the financial narratives of Messi and Ronaldo now stand as a testament to their diverse paths to unprecedented wealth in the sporting world. Their simultaneous billionaire status serves as a remarkable financial finale to one of history’s greatest sporting rivalries.
Looking ahead, the financial models pioneered by both Messi and Ronaldo, particularly their equity stakes and revenue-sharing agreements, are likely to influence how future athletes structure their careers and maximize their earnings, especially as global sports leagues continue to attract significant investment.
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