Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi in the Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes

Forbes has released its annual list of the highest-paid athletes, with Cristiano Ronaldo topping the charts. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr, earns a staggering £157m ($199m) per year, making him the highest earner in world football.

Not far behind is Lionel Messi, who ranks third on the list. Despite his move to MLS club Inter Miami, Messi still commands an impressive £107m ($135m) annually, largely from endorsements and sponsorships.

Kylian Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid soon, is sixth with earnings of £87m ($110m). Neymar, who is now playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, follows closely behind, bringing in £85m ($108m) each year.

Golf star Jon Rahm experienced a significant rise in earnings, securing the second spot with £172m ($218m), thanks to his lucrative LIV deal. Rahm’s remarkable ascent on the list highlights the increasing commercialization of golf and the massive endorsement deals available to top players.

In addition to football and golf, basketball also features prominently on Forbes’ list. NBA icons LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo claim the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. James continues to be a marketing powerhouse, earning £101m ($128m) annually, while Antetokounmpo’s impressive salary and endorsements bring in £88m ($111m) per year.

Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors legend Steph Curry ranks ninth on the list, with annual earnings of £81m ($103m). Curry’s success on and off the court has solidified his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Lastly, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson rounds off the top 10, earning £79m ($100m) annually, including a substantial signing bonus from his recent contract extension negotiated without an agent in 2023. Jackson’s rise in earnings reflects the increasing financial rewards for top NFL players as the league continues to grow in popularity and profitability.

Forbes’ list showcases the immense earning power of these athletes, with each raking in over $100 million (£79m) per year. As sports continue to captivate global audiences, the financial rewards for top athletes only seem to grow, cementing their status as some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

As the landscape of sports and entertainment evolves, we’ll likely see even higher earnings for top athletes in the years to come. With lucrative endorsement deals, sponsorship agreements, and ever-expanding media rights, the potential for athletes to amass vast fortunes seems limitless. Ultimately, Forbes’ list is a testament to sports stars’ enduring popularity and commercial appeal globally.