Cristiano Ronaldo secures top spot as Saudi-based footballers dominate forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes
Forbes has unveiled its latest rankings of the highest-paid athletes, with Saudi-based footballers making a notable splash while Cristiano Ronaldo secures the top spot for the fourth time in his career.
Ronaldo, known for his influential move to the Saudi Professional League, has solidified his position as the highest-paid athlete, amassing an impressive $260 million over the past year.
His lucrative earnings reflect both his sporting prowess and commercial appeal, underscoring his enduring dominance in global football.
In a significant shift, Jon Rahm ascended to second place, bolstered by his affiliation with the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, which has propelled his earnings to $218 million.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, previously a contender for the top spot, slipped to third place behind Rahm, highlighting the dynamic changes within the rankings.
The list further features notable football stars like Neymar and Karim Benzema, both now part of the top 10 highest-paid athletes following their moves to the Saudi Pro League. Kylian Mbappe remains the sole European-based footballer in the rankings, securing the sixth position with earnings amounting to $110 million.
Beyond football, the elite group includes basketball icons Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, alongside American football standout Lamar Jackson. Collectively, these athletes amassed an astounding $1.38 billion, showcasing the unprecedented financial magnitude within contemporary sports.
Interestingly, despite the English Premier League’s global stature and commercial value, no players from the league made it to this year’s list, signaling the growing influence of alternative global leagues in attracting top talent and financial rewards.
