Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes. The 38-year-old Portuguese forward earned a staggering $136m (£108.7m) over the past 12 months, overtaking his fierce rival Lionel Messi, who earned $130m (£103.9m) during the same period.
Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian football club, is reportedly worth over 200 million euros (£176.5m) per year.
He has also been a long-time ambassador for several global brands, including Nike, Herbalife, and Electronic Arts, which have contributed to his incredible wealth.
Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes also features other big names from the sports world, including basketball star LeBron James and boxer Canelo Alvarez. The list also sees the return of golfers Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson to the top 10 since Tiger Woods in 2020.
Johnson’s entry into the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series has seen him climb up the rankings. The American golfer earned $107m (£85.5m) over the past year, making him the sixth highest-paid athlete on the list, while Mickelson earned $106m (£84.7m).
Forbes’ figures take into account both on-field earnings, including salaries, prize money, and bonuses, as well as off-field earnings, such as sponsorship deals, appearance fees, and memorabilia and licensing income.
With his impressive earnings and continued success on the field, Ronaldo is set to remain a dominant force in the world of sports for years to come.
