Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both become billionaires as they prepare for what is expected to be their final appearance at the World Cup.
According to Forbes, the Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is now worth around £1.4 billion while his long-time rival Messi stands at £1.2 billion, with the figures boosted by lucrative playing contracts and off-field endorsements.
Ronaldo, 41, has seen his earnings surge since joining Saudi club Al-Nassr in 2023 on a deal worth £178 million a year plus bonuses, pushing his career playing income to roughly £1.26 billion. He also earns about £48 million annually from social media and sponsorships including Nike and his CR7 brand.
Messi, 38, has earned some £1.2 billion from contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, supplemented by £44 million a year from deals with Adidas, Pepsi and Hard Rock.
Both figures are pre-tax and exclude agent fees.
The pair will feature in the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Ronaldo hoping to finally win the World Cup with Portugal and Messi aiming to defend the title he won in Qatar in 2022.
They join England’s David Beckham, who reached billionaire status earlier this year, among football’s wealthiest players.
