Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another remarkable milestone away from the pitch, becoming the first active athlete to accumulate more than $2 billion (about Ksh259 billion) in career earnings before taxes and agent fees, according to Forbes.

The Portuguese football superstar has joined an exclusive group of sports figures that includes American basketball legend Michael Jordan and wrestling mogul Vince McMahon, whose fortunes have also crossed the multi-billion-dollar mark.

Ronaldo’s financial success has been driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, alongside endorsement agreements and other commercial ventures that have strengthened his position among the world’s highest-earning athletes.

Forbes estimates Jordan’s fortune at $4.7 billion (about Ksh606.3 billion) as of October 23, 2026, making him the first athlete to achieve billionaire status. McMahon’s wealth was valued at approximately $3.3 billion (about Ksh425.7 billion) on the same date.

Saudi contract and endorsements boost Ronaldo’s fortune

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has significantly increased his earning power, with his Al-Nassr deal contributing more than $235 million (about Ksh30.35 billion) annually in on-field earnings, according to Forbes.

His commercial activities provide another substantial source of income, generating more than $65 million (Ksh8.383 billion) each year through partnerships with international brands, including Nike, Lego, Panini and Whoop.

The figures underline how Ronaldo has turned his success in football into a global business empire, extending his influence well beyond the game.

His financial achievements also reflect the commercial appeal he has maintained throughout a career spanning some of the biggest clubs in European football before his move to Saudi Arabia.

African supporters follow Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals

While his growing fortune continues to attract attention, Ronaldo’s pursuit of another historic achievement remains a major talking point among football fans in Africa and elsewhere.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has built an enormous global following, with more than 1.05 billion followers combined across Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.

His digital reach has helped him maintain a strong connection with supporters worldwide, including millions across Africa who closely monitor his performances as he approaches the 1,000-goal mark.

Ronaldo had scored 981 official senior goals for club and country as of the period covered by the report, leaving him 19 short of reaching four figures.

Achieving the target would make him the first player in men’s football history to score 1,000 official senior career goals, further strengthening his case as one of the game’s most prolific players.

However, Ronaldo has sought to play down the pressure surrounding the milestone. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, he described reaching 1,000 goals as a goal he wants to achieve rather than an obsession.

The 40-year-old’s pursuit of the record continues to keep fans engaged, with his performances on the pitch adding another chapter to a career that has combined sporting success with extraordinary financial rewards.

Ronaldo scored in Al-Nassr’s 3–1 win over Al-Faisaly in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking his 982 official career goals, leaving him 18 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone.