Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly become football’s first player to surpass $2 billion in career earnings after generating an estimated £225 million over the past year.

According to Forbes, the Portuguese superstar crossed the $2 billion career earnings milestone earlier this year, six years after becoming the first footballer to reach $1 billion.

The 41-year-old forward once again topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers, largely driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. His reported salary is estimated at £488,000 per day.

Ronaldo also earned approximately £42 million off the pitch over the past year through endorsement deals and various business ventures, further boosting his overall earnings.

His longtime rival, Lionel Messi, occupies second place on the list, marking the 12th time in the past 13 years that the two football icons have ranked first and second.

The Inter Miami captain is estimated to have earned £109 million over the past year and is reportedly closing in on the $2 billion career earnings milestone.

Messi’s total includes more than £52 million in on-field earnings, alongside approximately £56 million generated through sponsorships and commercial partnerships.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe ranks third, with estimated annual earnings of £75 million.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior complete the top five, earning an estimated £64 million and £57 million, respectively, over the past year.

Ronaldo’s continued dominance of football’s earnings rankings highlights the commercial power of the veteran forward, whose income extends well beyond his performances on the pitch.