When it comes to the highest-paid athletes on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo is still king.
For the third year running, the Portuguese superstar has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s richest athletes, pulling in an eye-watering £206.6 million (about $275 million) in 2024.
That’s an increase of £11.2 million from the previous year, showing that even at 40, Ronaldo’s earning power remains as strong as ever.
Record-Breaking Salary and Business Ventures Boost Ronaldo’s Earnings
Much of Ronaldo’s massive income comes from his salary at Saudi club Al Nassr, where he reportedly earns an astonishing £177 million a year since joining from Manchester United in late 2022.
But that’s not all — Ronaldo also banks a fortune through sponsorship deals and his huge social media presence, boasting nearly a billion followers worldwide.
These additional income streams make him more than just a footballer; he’s a global brand.
A Salary That Rivaled Only by a Boxing Legend
To put Ronaldo’s earnings into perspective, only one athlete has made more in a single year: Floyd Mayweather, the former boxing champion, who earned around $300 million (£194 million) in 2015 and $275 million (£205 million) in 2018.
Ronaldo’s consistency at the top of the rich list, however, shows his staying power in the sports world.
NBA’s Steph Curry and Boxer Tyson Fury Follow Behind
NBA superstar Steph Curry came in second on the list with an estimated £117 million ($156 million) earned in a season that saw him break records as the first player to hit 4,000 three-pointers.
British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury took third place with around £109 million ($146 million), thanks to his highly publicized bouts against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
Despite retiring for the fifth time after losing his heavyweight title, Fury’s name still commands attention — and big paychecks.
Messi Drops to Fifth as Ronaldo Maintains Top Spot
Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival, fell to fifth place this year after ranking third last year.
The Inter Miami forward earned £101.4 million ($135 million), which includes about £56.2 million ($75 million) from off-field deals.
One notable sponsorship sees Messi promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination, adding a unique twist to his income.
Other Football Stars and Athletes in the Top Earnings List
Karim Benzema, another Saudi Pro League star playing for Al-Ittihad, earned an impressive £78.2 million ($104 million), placing him eighth on the list.
The rich list also features basketball legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant, alongside NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and baseball stars Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
Premier League’s Erling Haaland Among the Top 40 Earners
Erling Haaland, currently the Premier League’s highest-paid player, ranked 34th with total earnings of £46.5 million ($62 million) last year.
The Norwegian pocketed £36 million ($48 million) of that from his Manchester City contract, showing that footballers at all levels are earning big bucks these days.