Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring during their clash with Al Wehda at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 4, 2024. /CFP
While it may be hugely disappointing for Cristiano Ronaldo to go another year without a title after Al Hilal clinched the Saudi Pro League crown last week, his thirst for trophies may be somewhat quenched by the comfort of his overflowing bank account.
According to the latest report by Forbes, Ronaldo has once again claimed the top spot on their annual list of highest-paid athletes, a feat the Portuguese icon has achieved four times in his career. This news comes as no surprise, considering his lucrative move to Al Nassr. Forbes estimates Ronaldo's total earnings to be a staggering $260 million, setting a new record for footballers.
Ronaldo's on-field earnings reached an impressive $200 million, but his off-field income skyrocketed to $60 million, largely due to lucrative sponsorship deals that take advantage of his massive following of 629 million on Instagram.
Jon Rahm of Spain plays his second shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., May 16, 2024. /CFP
Meanwhile, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm climbed to the second spot on the list after his remarkable move to Saudi-backed LIV Golf. In addition to being guaranteed a minimum of $300 million, Rahm has already earned $218 million, placing him alongside Ronaldo as the only two athletes to surpass the $200 million mark in earnings.
Ronaldo's long-time rival Lionel Messi has slipped to third place in the rankings, with Rahm surpassing him. Despite earning a substantial $135 million annually, the 36-year-old Argentine superstar now earns more off the field than on it. Kylian Mbappe, who is anticipated to join Real Madrid this summer as a free agent after his time at Paris Saint-Germain, secures the sixth spot with earnings of $110 million.
Neymar, once a teammate of Mbappe's at PSG and now playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, brings in $108 million. Another player currently in the Middle East, former Real striker Karim Benzema, fills the eighth spot with earnings of $106 million.
Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson poses after winning the MVP award at the NFL Honors show ahead of the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., February 8, 2024. /CFP
Basketball stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (fifth), LeBron James (fourth), and Stephen Curry (ninth) make appearances alongside American football quarterback Lamar Jackson, who claims the 10th spot on the list.