XtraTime Web Desk: Portugese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire footballer, leaving behind his closest rival Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend is likely to join Ronaldo next year.
The 35 year old Juventus striker has become only the third sports star to join the billionaire club. Ronaldo will join American golf legend Tiger Woods and boxer 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 percent 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.
The Juve star is set to exceed £600m as wages by the end of the 2021-22 seasons. As far as his endorsements are concerned, the Portugese footballer has pocketed around £36m-a-year during his career, including partnerships with Nike, with whom he has a lifetime contract.
Ronaldo also has his own company, CR7, as well as being the most-followed sports star in the world on Facebook and Instagram. He makes roughly £1m per post on Instagram – more than any other person on the planet.