Ronaldo Tops Forbes' List of Highest-Paid Athletes Again

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite nearing the twilight of his career, has secured the top spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. His significant earnings in Saudi Arabia have propelled him to this position for the fourth time.

Ronaldo’s Record Earnings

According to Forbes, Ronaldo amassed an astonishing $260 million over the past year. This figure includes $200 million from his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr and an additional $60 million from off-field activities. The 39-year-old’s financial success is unparalleled among his peers, highlighting his enduring marketability and skill.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in Sports

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 marked a significant shift, not just for his career but also for Saudi Arabian sports. His presence has helped elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League, which has seen Al-Nassr finishing second this season. Ronaldo is among four Saudi-based soccer players in the top 50 highest-paid athletes, indicating the country’s increasing influence in global sports.

Other Top Earners

Following Ronaldo on Forbes’ list is golfer Jon Rahm, who earned $218 million, primarily through his contract with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour. Rahm’s lucrative three-year deal, signed in December, contributes $198 million in playing wages alone.

Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, ranks third with $135 million in earnings. Over half of Messi’s income, $70 million, comes from off-the-field ventures, underscoring his broad appeal and commercial success.

Record-Breaking Earnings in the Top-10

For the first time, the top 10 highest-paid athletes have each surpassed $100 million in earnings, collectively reaching a record $1.38 billion. The top-10 highest-paid athletes include:

Cristiano Ronaldo (soccer) – $260 million
Jon Rahm (golf) – $218 million
Lionel Messi (soccer) – $135 million
LeBron James (basketball) – $128.2 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo (basketball) – $111 million
Kylian Mbappé (soccer) – $110 million
Neymar (soccer) – $108 million
Karim Benzema (soccer) – $106 million
Steph Curry (basketball) – $102 million
Lamar Jackson (football) – $100.5 million

Notable Absence of Women

A notable aspect of this year’s list is the absence of female athletes in the top 50, marking the first time since 2019 that no women have ranked. Historically, only Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, and Naomi Osaka have made it to the top 50 since 2012. This highlights a persistent gender disparity in earnings within the sports industry.

Forbes’ Methodology

Forbes’ comprehensive evaluation involves extensive conversations with industry insiders, detailed news reports, and reliable salary databases such as Spotrac. All financial figures are meticulously converted to US dollars based on the current exchange rates to ensure consistency and accuracy.