By Esther Bassey
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines yet again on Wednesday after being officially declared a billionaire, becoming the first active football player to achieve such a feat.
The Al Nassr forward has not only broken records on the pitch but also off it, building a financial empire through endorsements, business ventures, and his global CR7 brand.
Ronaldo’s new status has once again placed him among the world’s most successful sportsmen, and he now joins a small but powerful group of athletes who have crossed the billion-dollar mark.
Here are seven other athletes who became billionaires through their talent, influence, and business sense:
1. Lionel Messi (Football)
Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades at the top of world football.
After his historic spell at Barcelona, where he won multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Inter Miami in the United States.
His billionaire journey was driven by record-breaking contracts and long-term sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser.
Messi also owns a chain of luxury hotels in Spain and has made several real estate investments. Quiet and reserved, he has managed to turn global fame into a sustainable fortune.
2. LeBron James (Basketball)
NBA legend LeBron James became the first active basketball player to reach billionaire status. Known for his dominance on and off the court, LeBron built his wealth not just from his NBA salary but also from smart investments.
He co-founded SpringHill Entertainment, a media company behind several films and documentaries, and owns shares in Blaze Pizza and Liverpool Football Club.
LeBron’s financial success reflects his belief in ownership and long-term vision rather than short-term endorsement deals.
3. Michael Jordan (Basketball)
Before LeBron, there was Michael Jordan, whose partnership with Nike created the Air Jordan brand, one of the most successful lines in sports history.
The Air Jordan sneakers continue to generate billions in revenue annually, long after Jordan’s retirement.
His ownership stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets (now sold) and other business ventures lifted him into the billionaire bracket.
Jordan’s story remains the blueprint for how an athlete can become a global business mogul.
4. Tiger Woods (Golf)
Golf legend Tiger Woods changed the game of golf forever and also redefined athlete earnings.
Over the course of his career, Woods has earned hundreds of millions through tournament wins, appearance fees, and endorsements with Nike, Rolex, and TaylorMade.
Despite personal and physical setbacks, Woods maintained a powerful brand image and ventured into business through TMRW Sports and Jupiter Island Holdings.
His billionaire status proves that resilience and reputation can turn a career into a lasting empire.
5. Floyd Mayweather (Boxing)
Nicknamed “Money,” Floyd Mayweather lived up to his title. The former world champion boxer earned more than a billion dollars, largely due to his control over fight promotions.
His blockbuster bouts, especially against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor, brought in record-breaking pay-per-view figures.
Owning Mayweather Promotions ensured he took home most of the revenue himself. Even in retirement, Mayweather continues to make millions through exhibition fights and endorsements.
6. Roger Federer (Tennis)
Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer remains one of the most respected figures in sports. Although retired, his income continues to soar through endorsement deals with Rolex, Uniqlo, and Credit Suisse.
His smart investment in the Swiss shoe brand On paid off massively after the company went public.
Federer’s class, calmness, and professionalism made him one of the most marketable athletes in history, helping him achieve billionaire status gracefully.
7. Magic Johnson (Basketball)
Former NBA superstar Magic Johnson turned his post-basketball life into a business master class. After retiring early due to health concerns, Johnson ventured into real estate, movie theatres, and franchise ownership.
He owns stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Sparks, and Washington Commanders, among others. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, is valued at over a billion dollars, a testament to his vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
