Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes Sport Rich List With £206 Million Earnings

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the world’s highest-paid athlete, topping Forbes’ rich list.

The 40-year-old Portuguese striker earned an estimated £206.6 million ($275 million) last year, up by £11.2 million from 2023.

Ronaldo has now led the list for the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his illustrious career.

Since joining Saudi club Al Nassr from Manchester United in December 2022, the Portuguese star has reportedly been earning a staggering £177 million a year in salary.

He also earns from various sponsorship deals and boasts a massive social media following of 939 million.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s salary has only been surpassed by one athlete — Floyd Mayweather, who earned $300 million (£194 million) in 2015 and $275 million (£205 million) in 2018.

Ronaldo narrowly beat NBA legend Steph Curry, who ranked second with a £117 million ($156 million) salary in a season where he became the first player ever to make 4,000 three-pointers.

British boxer Tyson Fury came third, earning an estimated £109 million ($146 million) after two fights with Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.

Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Lionel Messi, ranked fifth, down from third last year.

The Inter Miami forward took home £101.4 million ($135 million) last year, including about £56.2 million ($75 million) from off-field earnings.

Messi is also well-paid for promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination through sponsorship.

Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, was the eighth highest-paid athlete, earning £78.2 million ($104 million).

Basketball stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, along with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and baseball players Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, also feature on the list.

Meanwhile, Premier League’s highest-earning player, Erling Haaland, ranks 34th.

The Norwegian earned £46.5 million ($62 million) last year, including £36 million ($48 million) from his Manchester City salary.