Cristiano Ronaldo Named World’s Highest-Paid Athlete, Surpassing Messi and Mbappe
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the title of the highest-paid athlete in the world, outpacing fierce rivals Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. According to a recent report by Sportico, Ronaldo’s earnings for the year reached an impressive $260 million, nearly double that of NBA star Stephen Curry, who follows with $153.8 million.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Portuguese superstar has topped the list, a testament to his enduring presence in the world of sports. Ronaldo’s substantial income stems largely from his lucrative $215 million annual contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, which is set to expire this summer. His earnings also encompass various endorsements that further solidify his financial dominance.
Rounding out the top three is heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. Messi, playing for Inter Miami, earns a salary of $60 million, complemented by endorsements worth $75 million, placing him fourth on the list. Neymar’s recent move back to Santos has positioned him just behind NBA icon LeBron James, with a total annual earning of $133 million.
Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe are the other footballers to feature in the top ten, with Benzema taking ninth place at $108 million and Mbappe earning $110 million following his transfer to Real Madrid.
While footballers represent a significant portion of the top earners, the overall figures reveal a stark contrast with other sports. NFL players collectively amassed $1.21 billion, while NBA stars dominated the earnings with a staggering total of $2.02 billion across the top 100 athletes.
In total, 12 football players made it to the top 100 list, a number significantly lower than their NFL and NBA counterparts. Other notable football figures in the rankings include Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Harry Kane, and several players from the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, including Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane.
