The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has long transcended the football pitch and now extends into the world of wealth. According to Bloomberg's analysis, both football stars are expected to reach a net worth of over one billion dollars by 2026, entering the billionaire sports club.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023, was the first footballer to reach this milestone. His annual contract worth over 200 million dollars in Saudi Arabia, along with his earnings during his time at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, has played a significant role in his wealth growth. His lifetime contract with Nike and his CR7 brand businesses in hospitality, fashion, and advertising have also accelerated this path.

On the other hand, Messi rejected a reported 400 million dollar offer from Saudi Arabia after winning the World Cup with Argentina and moved to Inter Miami in the USA; a decision that later became one of the most important financial choices of his professional career.

It is said that Messi earns between 70 to 80 million dollars annually from his contract with Inter Miami, club shares, and business collaborations related to MLS. At the same time, the value of Inter Miami has reached approximately 1.45 billion dollars, making it the most valuable football club in America.

Messi's wealth today is not limited to football. Investments in real estate and hotels, a 232 million dollar investment fund in Spain, the beverage brand Más+, and shares in an Argentine restaurant chain are part of his investment portfolio.

Bloomberg believes that the story of Ronaldo and Messi represents a significant change in the economics of football. Unlike previous generations that derived most of their wealth from investments and endorsements, these two stars have earned a substantial portion of their billion-dollar net worth directly from football salaries.

From Messi's handwritten contract at Barcelona Academy to Saudi Arabia's astronomical contracts for Ronaldo, both have now become symbols of a generation of footballers who are not only athletes but also global billion-dollar brands.

Source: Gulf News