Rivaldo's net worth: Find out how rich the Brazilian legend is

Rivaldo's net worth: Find out how rich the Brazilian legend is

Helix Odhiambo
updated at December 15, 2023 at 6:45 AM
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Brazilian football legend Rivaldo enthralled fans during the 90s with his dribbling skills and ball control. He was also a prolific goalscorer with a powerful left foot. Rivaldo made millions through his career and also created time for his family. Today, Rivaldo's net worth puts him among the wealthiest retired footballers.

Rivaldo's career earnings
Former Brazil player Rivaldo warms up during the World Super-footballer Games between the American and European Star teams at Wuhan Sports Center on 26 November 2023 in Wuhan, China. Photo: WangHe
Source: Getty Images

Rivaldo played most of his career as an attacking midfielder. He played for the Brazilian national football team and top European clubs, including Barcelona and AC Milan. Discover more about the legendary footballer's life story and accomplishments.

Rivaldo's profile summary

Full name

Rivaldo Vitor Borba Ferreira

Date of birth

19 April 1972

Age

51 (as of December 2023)

Birthplace

Recife, Brazil

Nationality

Brazilian

Religion

Christian

Height

1.85 m

Weight

75 kg

Eye colour

Black

Hair colour

Black

Profession

Former footballer

Position

Forward, attacking midfielder

Parents

Romildo Ferreira, Marlucia Salomao Borba

Siblings

Cristiane Ferreira Diniz, Ricardo Vitor, Borba Ferreira

Spouse

Rose Ferreira (ex-wife), Eliza Kaminski Ferreira

Children

Rivaldinho, Isaque, Joao Vitor, Rebeca, Thamirys Borba

Net worth

$80 million

Social media

Instagram, X (Twitter)

How old is Rivaldo?

The Brazilian legend is 51 years old as of December 2023. He was born on 19 April 1972 in Recife, Brazil. His full name is Rivaldo Vitor Borba Ferreira.

Nationality and religion

The former footballer is a Brazilian citizen and a devoted Christian. He grew up in a poor upbringing in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, where his football journey began.

Rivaldo's net worth and career earnings

Rivaldo's net worth
Rivaldo attends a ceremony by the Brazilian Football Confederation to honour the 2002 World Champions on the 20th anniversary at Fairmont Hotel on 30 June 2022 in Raio de Janeiro. Photo: Buda Mendes
Source: Getty Images

According to sources, the net worth of Rivaldo is estimated at $80 million as of 2023. His hard work and unrelenting dedication to succeed made him one of the most sought-after players of his generation.

The Brazilian earned his wealth through salaries and endorsement deals. His wealth has steadily increased in the past six years because of his business ventures.

Rivaldo's career earnings

The former athlete received hefty paychecks during his career that matched his standards. He was the world's best-paid footballer in 2002 after penning a new contract with Barcelona. The deal increased his annual salary from around $2.1 million to over $5 million.

He also pocked around $3.7 million following his transfer to AC Milan, making him one of the highest-paid players in Serie A.

Rivaldo's career

How old was Rivaldo when he retired?
Rivaldo enjoyed a successful career playing for several teams across three continents. He is among the greatest footballers ever. Photo: Nuno Correia, Adam Davy, Eduardo Anizelli (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The former forward played over 500 games for 14 clubs across South America, Europe, and Africa. He started his football at Paulista Recife aged 16, and his father died in 1989, a year before he turned professional. Here is a breakdown of his career journey.

South America

The 1999 Ballon d'Or winner began his senior career at Santa Cruz in 1991 in Brazil. Rivaldo joined Corinthians in 1993 on loan from Mogi Mirim, scoring 22 goals in 63 games. He signed for Palmeiras, helping them win the 1994 Brazil national championship.

Europe

Rivaldo moved overseas in 1996 for greener pastures, joining Spain's Deportivo La Coruna. He spent one season there, scoring 202 goals in 42 matches. Barcelona signed him for $25.7 million in 1997 to replace fellow Brazilian Ronaldo.

During his five-year stint at the club, the attacking midfielder helped Barcelona win two La Liga titles, Copa Del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup. Rivaldo also won the 1999 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He moved to AC Milan in 2002.

The Brazilian had a dismal performance at Milan but still won the Coppa Italia and the Champions League in the 2002-03 season. Rivaldo returned to Brazil for a brief spell with Cruzeiro in 2004 before returning to Europe, where he played for Olympiacos and AEK Athens in Greece from 2004-2008.

Latter stages

Rivaldo spent the final stages of his career in his late 30s at Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan, Sao Paulo in Brazil, Kabuscorp in Angola, and Sao Caetano in Brazil. He finished his career at Mogi Mirim in 2014, where he remained as the club's president.

International career

How many World Cups does Rivaldo have?
Rivaldo (C) of Brazil and Turkey's Tugay Kerimoglu (L) compete for the ball during their World Cup semi-final match at the Saitama Stadium on 25 June 2002 in Saitama, Japan. Photo: The Asahi Shimbun
Source: Getty Images

The legendary attacking midfielder helped his nation win a bronze medal at Atlanta's 1996 Summer Olympic Games. He was part of the team that won the 1997 Confederations Cup.

The football legend guided his team to the 1998 World Cup final but lost 3-0 to France. He later helped his nation to secure the 1999 Copa America and the 2002 World Cup title. The former playmaker managed 74 appearances for Brazil between 1993 and 2003, scoring 35 times.

Interesting facts about Rivaldo

what is Rivaldo doing now?
Rivaldo speaks during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at Allianz Stadium on 29 August 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Matt King
Source: Getty Images

The Barcelona legend earned respect on and off the pitch because of his discipline and hard work. He is also a family man with a wife and kids. Here are fascinating details you would love to know about him.

How old was Rivaldo when he retired?

The football legend retired in March 2014 at the age of 41. His last game came for Brazilian third-tier side Mogi Mirim, where he played alongside his son, Rivaldinho.

"With tears in my eyes today I would like to thank God, my family, and all the support, the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player," read part of his statement on Instagram.

How many World Cups does Rivaldo have?

The former Barca and AC Milan star has one World Cup he won in 2002. His strong partnership with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho terrorised defenders and earned Brazil the title for the fifth time.

Who is Rivaldo's wife?

The Brazilian is married to Eliza Kaminski Ferreira, his second wife, since his time in Greece. She was born on 19 October 1978 in Brazil. Some sources reveal she is into business. Rivaldo previously married Rose Ferreira in 1993 and divorced in 2003.

Does Rivaldo have a son?

The 2002 World Cup winner has five children, three sons and two daughters. He has two kids, Rivaldinho and Thamirys Borba, with his ex-wife Rose. He welcomed three children, João Vitor, Rebeca Ferreira, and Isaque Ferreira, with his wife Eliza. His sons are also playing football.

Where does Rivaldo live?

The former footballer has a property in Windermere, Florida, United States, where he often lives with his family. Rivaldo's house costs around $1.26 million.

What is Rivaldo doing now?

Where does Rivaldo live?
Former Brazilian footballer Rivaldo of American Star Team, with the ball during the 2023 World Super Footballer Games against European Star Team on 26 November 2023 in Wuhan, China. Photo: VCG
Source: Getty Images

After retiring, the legendary athlete became the president of his former club in Brazil, Mogi Mirim, in 2008. He also served as Barcelona's global ambassador. The father of five is also involved in numerous charity programs and mentorship, including playing charity games with retired footballers.

The retired athlete was appointed the technical director of the Moroccan third division side Chabab Mohammedia in 2019.

Rivaldo's cars

Details of the Brazilian's cars remain unknown, but he has shared a few photos while cycling. He loves cycling to keep him fit.

Final word

Rivaldo's net worth and career achievements are the fruits of his hard work and dedication. He is now enjoying his earnings with his family. The Brazilian's impact in football has inspired many young players hoping to follow in his footsteps.

READ ALSO: Who did Eusebio play for, and how many goals did he score? Remembering the Portuguese football

Sports Brief also featured the life story of legendary Portuguese footballer Eusebio. The late Eusebio died in January 2014, but his football legacy continues.

Eusebio is one of the greatest footballers ever. He was a prolific goal scorer due to his speed, skill, agility, and stingy right-footed shot. Follow the above link to learn more about him.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.