Cristiano Ronaldo has been named football's first billionaire, with a staggering net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion)

Factoring in over two decades of career wages, brand deals, and investment portfolio, Bloomberg estimates Ronaldo has pocketed more than $550 million (£410 million) in wages alone between 2002 and 2023.

Among his most lucrative deals is a long-standing partnership with Nike, reportedly worth $18 million (£13.4 million) annually. But it was his move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in 2022 that truly redefined football's pay scale.

Ronaldo's initial contract saw him become the top-paid player in football history, with an annual salary of £177 million. He's since extended his stay with a fresh two-year deal said to be worth more than $400 million (£298 million).

Off the field, Ronaldo's lifestyle is just as lavish. The father-of-five recently proposed to longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez, 31, with a diamond ring estimated to be worth between $2 million and $10 million.

Meanwhile, long-time rival Lionel Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, has earned more than $600 million (£447 million) pre-tax over the course of his career. Since 2023, Messi's reported annual income sits at $20 million (£15 million) - roughly a tenth of Ronaldo's earnings over the same period. Upon retirement, the 38-year-old Argentine star is anticipated to receive a stake in his MLS club, further boosting his financial legacy.