<p>Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s rivalry has captivated fans for over a decade, both on and off the pitch. While their competition for titles and individual awards has been fierce, a new battleground has emerged—financial earnings. According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2024/10/17/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a>‘ latest list of the highest-paid soccer players in 2024, Ronaldo’s earnings have skyrocketed. Thus, leaving his long-time rival Messi trailing by a significant margin. The report highlights how, even in the twilight of their illustrious careers, both icons <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-tops-highest-paid-athlete-list-where-is-lionel-messi/">continue to rake in astronomical sums.</a> Notably, the Portuguese earned double that of his Argentine rival over the last 12 months.</p>



<p>Topping the Forbes list is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose earnings for 2024 have reached an astonishing $285 million. This makes him the highest-paid player in the world, a position he has held numerous times throughout his career. He earns an enormous amount, with a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-back-atop-forbes-highest-paid-athlete-list-20230503-WST-431480.html">record $220 million</a> coming from his Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr. Beyond his playing salary, Ronaldo’s commercial success plays a crucial role. Thanks to endorsements and business ventures, the 39-year-old generates an additional $65 million. His global appeal remains unmatched, and his influence spans well beyond soccer. All thanks to his 900 million followers across social media platforms.</p>



<p>This year also saw the ex-Real Madrid superstar <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-sets-new-youtube-record-how-much-will-he-earn/">break another record</a>. He set the fastest-growing YouTube channel with “UR.Cristiano”. This platform quickly garnered over 1 million subscribers and amassed more than 544 million views.</p>



<h2>Messi’s earnings: Distant second</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241020_WST_536125_Ronaldo-Messi-1-1200x675_993007b7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-536171" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Trailing Ronaldo by a significant margin, Lionel Messi’s total earnings for 2024 amount to $135 million. Despite the gap, he remains one of the highest-paid athletes globally. His move to Inter Miami in MLS has brought him considerable attention in the United States. His on-field salary with Inter Miami <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messi-salary-at-inter-miami-will-be-up-to-60-million-per-year-20230620-WST-438621.html">contributes $60 million to his earnings</a>. Meanwhile, endorsements and off-field ventures add another $75 million, making him the leader in off-field earnings among players.</p>



<p>While the Ronaldo and Messi rivalry continues, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a significant player in soccer’s financial landscape. Four players from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/al-qadsiah-journey-to-becoming-a-saudi-pro-league-giant/">Saudi Pro League</a> feature in Forbes’ top-10 list of highest-paid players, showcasing the league’s growing financial influence. Brazilian star Neymar ($110 million), French striker Karim Benzema ($104 million), and Senegalese winger Sadio Mane ($52 million) have all joined Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, commanding lucrative salaries that rival those offered by Europe’s top clubs.</p>



<p>The financial power of the Saudi Pro League has disrupted the traditional dominance of European leagues like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a>, and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a>, which are notably absent from the top ranks of this year’s list. Only Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius, both playing for Real Madrid, represent La Liga in the top 10. In contrast, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a>, known for its financial muscle, has three players in the rankings, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland ($60 million), Kevin De Bruyne, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah earning substantial salaries.</p>



<h2>Enduring legacy of Ronaldo and Messi</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241020_WST_536125_Ronaldo-Messi-2-1200x675_c2d46f4d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-536172" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Ronaldo-Messi-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>As both Ronaldo and Messi enter the later stages of their careers, their financial rivalry remains as compelling as ever. While Ronaldo’s earnings have eclipsed Messi’s, their influence on the game, both commercially and culturally, remains unmatched. Ronaldo’s $285 million earnings, which exceed the combined totals of the sixth through tenth-placed players on the Forbes list, highlight his enduring appeal and ability to break records even at 39 years old.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Messi’s consistent presence at the top of the financial charts, despite earning half of Ronaldo’s total, underscores his global icon status. His move to MLS has sparked renewed interest in American soccer, and his $75 million in off-field earnings demonstrate his continued popularity among brands and sponsors.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Forbes updated list: Ronaldo salary double that of Messi

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has captivated fans for over a decade, both on and off the pitch.

Forbes updated list: Ronaldo salary double that of Messi - World Soccer Talk

<p>Forbes has crowned Cristiano Ronaldo the wealthiest athlete in sports, surpassing his arch-rival Lionel Messi.</p>



<p>After a year of dominating his sports competition, the Saudi Pro League standout has been crowned the highest-paid athlete in the world for 2024.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2024/05/16/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-back-at-critics-claiming-his-career-is-over-20230924-WST-458289.html">Ronaldo</a> has set a new record for soccer players with his projected total earnings of $260 million. This puts him at the top of the list for the fourth time during his career.</p>



<p>These earnings include those made on and off the field.</p>



<p>The Portuguese signed a jaw-dropping yearly contract of $200 million with Al Nassr last year, leaving Europe. Among the many ways the 39-year-old makes money is via endorsement arrangements. This includes cryptocurrency exchange Binance and fitness app Erakulis, as well as Nike, Herbalife, Clear Haircare, and Whoop.</p>



<p>Athletes are raking in the Saudi cash, and CR7 is $40 million ahead of the pack. Jon Rahm, of LIV Golf, reportedly signed a $350 million guarantee when he joined the circuit. Despite earning a total of $20 million off the field, the Spanish golfer has made $198 million while playing.</p>



<p>With $135 million, Inter Miami’s captain <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messis-time-is-running-out-to-help-mls-season-pass/">Lionel Messi</a> comes in third. His off-field endorsements and partnerships bring him more money than his on-field earnings. When it comes to off-field sponsorships, he earns more than any other soccer player on the list.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="441" height="517" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240518_WST_507604_image-30_8815d93e.webp&amp;width=441&amp;height=517" alt="" class="wp-image-507638" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-30.png 441w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-30-256x300.png 256w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px"></figure><figcaption>Benzema was number 8 on the list.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>List includes Mbappe and Neymar</h2>



<p>Next on the list are NBA superstars LeBron James ($128.2 million) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111 million). As a matter of fact, James’ off-court earnings are almost twice his on-court earnings ($48.2 million vs $80 million).</p>



<p>Because of it, he falls short of Stephen Curry as the highest-paid NBA player on the list. Earning $52 million when playing and $50 million while not, he is the ninth-highest earner on the list. Back in at number six, with $110 million, are Kylian Mbappe and, in seventh place, his former PSG teammate Neymar. </p>



<p>The latter earned $108 million from Saudi side Al Hilal. On the other hand, while Mbappe made $10 million more than him, his contract with the French giants is up this summer. It’s worth noting that Neymar earns $8 million more than the Frenchman from his endorsement agreements with Puma and Fun Brands.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/europe-return-or-saudi-stay-benzema-opens-up-on-future-20240211-WST-489016.html">Karim Benzema</a> of Al-Ittihad rounds out the soccer players in the top 10. The majority of his $106 million comes from the $100 million in on-field compensation that comes with becoming a free agent. Another reason is him winning the previous Ballon d’Or, and going to the Middle East.</p>



<p>Last but not least, we have Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. He received an unprecedented $100.5 million, more than any other NFL player. Just like Benzema, Jackson has a healthy bank account; all thanks to the $98.5 million he made off-field.</p>



<h4>Forbes’ highest-paid athletes of 2024</h4>



<ol><li>Cristiano Ronaldo – $260m</li><li>Jon Rahm – $218m</li><li>Lionel Messi – $135m</li><li>LeBron James – $128.2m</li><li>Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111m</li><li>Kylian Mbappe – $110m</li><li>Neymar – $108m</li><li>Karim Benzema – $106m</li><li>Stephen Curry – $102m</li><li>Lamar Jackson – $100.5m</li></ol>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire.</p>

Ronaldo tops highest-paid athlete list: Where is Lionel Messi?

Forbes has crowned Cristiano Ronaldo the wealthiest athlete in sports, surpassing his arch-rival Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo tops highest-paid athlete list: Where is Lionel Messi? - World Soccer Talk


<p>The Saudi Pro League has an awful lot of money to spend on players. </p>



<p>A summer window in which they spent heavily to recruit some of the globe’s biggest stars has influenced the wealth scale in the sport.</p>



<p>The annual World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players list by <em><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2023/10/13/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-2023/?sh=655302017b94" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a></em> was released on Friday. This year’s table predictably features many of the most popular players in the sport. </p>



<p>However, there is a new player atop the charts thanks to some significant transfer business in the Middle East.</p>



<p>Cristiano Ronaldo is now back on top of the list of highest-paid players. He last topped the earnings list in 2021. The Portuguese superstar was then <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kylian-mbappe-leads-forbes-list-of-highest-paid-soccer-players-20221007-WST-403438.html">previously</a> third in the rankings by <em>Forbes</em> last year. However, a move to Saudi Arabia has fueled Ronaldo’s move back up the charts. </p>



<h2>Ronaldo, Messi back atop Forbes rankings</h2>



<p>According to the American business magazine, Ronaldo currently rakes in $260 million in annual total earnings. This includes receiving a salary from Al Nassr of $200 million, plus additional off-field income. The massive earnings are actually nearly double that of second-placed Lionel Messi.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That Saudi Pro league money is no joke <br><br>Annual salaries:<br><br>• N&apos;Golo Kante – $109 million<br>• Neymar – $219 million (TBD)<br>• Karim Benzema – $219 million<br>• Cristiano Ronaldo – $220 million <a href="https://t.co/2T3fYTx3uB">pic.twitter.com/2T3fYTx3uB</a></p>— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorningBrew/status/1691485145482608640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The Argentine’s move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> helped increase Messi’s annual income as well. While he was also second in last year’s rankings, the superstar grew his earnings by about 12% compared to a year ago. Messi, however, currently makes more money in endorsement deals than with his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a> salary. Nevertheless, Messi becomes the first MLS player to make the list since David Beckham in 2012.</p>



<h2>Mbappe dethroned, four Saudi Pro League players make top 10 on the money list</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> star Kylian Mbappe was dethroned as the highest-paid soccer player in the world. The Frenchman previously topped the 2022 chart. Along with Ronaldo’s massive increase, Mbappe was also surpassed by former PSG teammate Neymar. The Brazilian star’s increase in earnings was, like Ronaldo, fueled by a move to Saudi Arabia.</p>



<p>Neymar was previously fourth in the Forbes list last year with total earnings reaching $87 million. Nevertheless, the forward now apparently makes $112 million annually thanks to a switch to Al Hilal. The magazine suggests that Neymar currently rakes in about $80 million alone in salary from the Saudi side.</p>



<p>Ronaldo and Neymar are, however, not the only players to ply their trade in the Middle East to make the list. In fact, four total <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/saudi-pro-league-tv-schedule/">Saudi Pro League</a> players are included in the top 10 financial rankings. Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) and Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) joined Ronaldo and Messi in the table. Neither of these two players were previously in Forbes’ 2022 list.</p>



<p><strong>The world’s highest-paid soccer players according to Forbes:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million)</li><li>Lionel Messi ($135 million)</li><li>Neymar ($112 million)</li><li>Kylian Mbappé ($110 million)</li><li>Karim Benzema ($106 million)</li><li>Erling Haaland ($58 million)</li><li>Mohamed Salah ($53 million)</li><li>Sadio Mané ($52 million)</li><li>Kevin De Bruyne ($39 million)</li><li>Harry Kane ($36 million)</li></ol>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Power Sport Images</p>


Saudi Pro League players dominate annual Forbes money list

Four Saudi Pro League players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, were named in Forbes' annual top 10 list of highest-paid soccer players

Saudi Pro League players dominate annual Forbes money list -


<p>The number of soccer <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/list-of-american-owned-soccer-clubs-in-europe-20230927-WST-458682.html">teams owned by Americans</a> has skyrocketed. Many American investors own teams throughout Europe, from the minor leagues to the top leagues. In recent weeks, rumors have circulated that 777 Partners, a private equity group based in the United States, is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/everton-close-to-sale-to-us-investment-group-20230912-WST-455552.html">actively pursuing a purchase of Everton</a>.</p>



<p>In fact, US owners’ influence over the Premier League is at an all-time high. Should the transaction be finalized, the United States will control 10 of the 20 Premier League clubs. Four of the league’s most successful clubs, including <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a>, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>, are among those mentioned.</p>



<h5>Boehly spent more than $1.2bn since taking over Chelsea</h5>



<p>Buying a team in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> is becoming a popular option. It comes as a result of the English top league’s increasing wealth thanks to TV agreements.</p>



<p>This factor is something that Chelsea owner <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/todd-boehly-looking-to-raise-500m-to-help-chelsea-recover-20230805-WST-448128.html">Todd Boehly</a> seems to enjoy. The 50-year-old has not been shy about spending lavishly on new players since taking over for Roman Abramovich.</p>



<p>Boehly has splashed almost $1.2 billion on new additions since the summer of 2022, blessing his three managers so far – Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino – with their desired players.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, he has yet to see the team’s performance improve. Despite a poor start, they will be aiming for a better Premier League finish than the 12th-place finish from the previous season.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Chelsea spend £1 billion under Todd Boehly | Have they invested wisely?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7jmtd1ISO_I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Forbes ranks wealthiest American owners</h2>



<p>While Todd Boehly is certainly one of the most generous American owners in Europe, it is interesting to note that he is not among the richest. As is customary every year, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2023/10/03/americas-richest-sports-team-owners-2023/?sh=74c8346d536b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a> compiled a list of the wealthiest sports franchise owners.</p>



<p>Italian newspaper <a href="https://www.calcioefinanza.it/2023/10/03/classifica-piu-ricchi-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calcio e Finanza</a> has helped reduce the data down to soccer club owners. It includes Fiorentina president <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ny-cosmos-owner-rocco-commisso-profiled-on-60-minutes-20230320-WST-423824.html">Rocco Commisso</a> and former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule">AC Milan</a> owner Paul Singer, while Boehly is lower on the list.</p>



<p>With an estimated fortune of $8 billion, Italian-American Commisso ranks 114th in Forbes’s overall list of the wealthiest Americans. Singer ranks No. 147 on the list with $6.1 billion, surpassing spendthrift Chelsea patron Boehly, who comes in at 176th with $6 billion. </p>



<p>Prior to the summer, Paul Singer and his company, Elliott Management, controlled the Rossoneri. Eventually, they sold the club to RedBird and Gerry Cardinale.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</em></p>


Fiorentina owner wealthier than Chelsea's Boehly, Forbes reveal

The annual Forbes list of the wealthiest sports club owners has been compiled. It has also been set to include just soccer club owners.


<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has moved back to the top of the world’s highest paid athlete list by <em>Forbes</em>. The Portugal international’s switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr helped bump him up to regain the top spot. Ronaldo was previously third in the American business magazine’s 2022 rankings. He last finished atop of the list in 2017 while with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>.</p>



<h2>Ronaldo will make even more money over the next year</h2>



<p><em><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2023/05/02/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2023/?sh=7a226a25b156" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a></em> released their annual top 10 list of highest paid athletes in the world on Tuesday. The outlet claims that Ronaldo raked in $136 million over the last 12 months. It also seems as if the 38-year-old soccer star will continue his climb in annual salary as well. </p>



<p>Al Nassr is reportedly paying Ronaldo around $220 million to play in the Middle East. Not all of this money was counted in the Forbes list, as he only just switched to the club in January.</p>



<h2>Ronaldo on Forbes list along with Messi, Mbappe</h2>



<p>Along with the Portuguese superstar, there are two other soccer players in the rankings. Lionel Messi finished second, just $6 million behind Ronaldo. Forbes reports that the World Cup winner with Argentina made $130 million over the last year. This massive amount of money is apparently split between his contract with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> and endorsement deals.</p>



<p>Messi’s PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe also made the prestigious list. In fact, the trio of soccer players were the top three athlete earners last year. Mbappe made $120 million over the last 12 months while with the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Ligue 1</a> champions. This only narrowly beat basketball superstar LeBron James. </p>



<p><strong>World’s highest paid athletes in 2023:</strong></p>



<p>1. Cristiano Ronaldo (soccer) – $136 million</p>



<p>2. Lionel Messi (soccer) – $130 million</p>



<p>3. Kylian Mbappe (soccer) – $120 million</p>



<p>4. LeBron James (basketball) – $119.5 million</p>



<p>5. Canelo Alvarez (boxing) – $110 million</p>



<p>6. Dustin Johnson (golf) – $107 million</p>



<p>7. Phil Mickelson (golf) – $106 million</p>



<p>8. Stephen Curry (basketball) – $100.4 million</p>



<p>9. Roger Federer (tennis) – $95.1 million</p>



<p>10. Kevin Durant (basketball) – $89.1 million</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / MIS</em></p>


Forbes magazine has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's highest paid athlete over the last twelve months.

Ronaldo back atop Forbes' highest paid athlete list - World Soccer Talk

Ronaldo back atop Forbes' highest paid athlete list


<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/01/kylian-mbappe-road-to-being-the-greatest-of-all-time/">Kylian Mbappé</a> overtook Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid soccer player on the planet, <a href="https:\/\/www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/10/07/the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-players-2022-kylian-mbapp-claims-no-1-while-erling-haaland-debuts/?sh=77adee3e629d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Forbes</a>. The annual list claims the French superstar earns about $128 million for the current campaign. The staggering total is the company’s record for their annual list.</p>



<p>Mbappé just signed a <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/25/mbappe-rumored-benefits/">massive new contract</a> early this summer. The deal with the Parisian club runs until 2025. The rise in the rankings for the France international was certainly substantial. Forbes ranked Mbappé fourth on their list just last year with yearly wages amounting to around $43 million.</p>



<p>Messi is, however, still a close second in the rankings with a total of $120 million earnings. The Argentine kept his second spot from the previous year. However, while his ranking remained the same, his wages did go up $10 million from 2021-22.</p>



<p>Ronaldo, on the other hand, dropped from first to third in the company’s list. The 37-year-old forward rakes in about $100 million this season. This is down nearly $25 million from the previous year. Manchester United can’t seem to get the most out of their club legend so far during the current campaign. The Portugal international has not started a Premier League match in nearly two months.</p>



<h2>Forbes ranks highest-paid soccer players</h2>



<p>Perhaps the most surprising names on the Forbes list were Eden Hazard and Iniesta. Hazard ($31 million) is currently in the middle of a regrettable contract with Real Madrid. The Belgian actually moved up two spots to eighth in the 2022 salary rankings.</p>



<p>Iniesta ($30 million) ranked ninth in the list, one spot ahead of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne ($29 million). The 38-year-old legend is still currently playing with Vissel Kobe in Japan.</p>



<p>Neymar ($87 million), Mohamed Salah ($53 million), Erling Haaland ($39 million), and Robert Lewandowski ($35 million) round out the top 10 list by Forbes. The figures for all players are pre-tax and also before agent fees are deducted from their salaries.</p>



<p>The complete list of highest-paid soccer players in 2022 by Forbes:</p>



<ol><li>Kylian Mbappé</li><li>Lionel Messi</li><li>Cristiano Ronaldo</li><li>Neymar</li><li>Mohamed Salah</li><li>Erling Haaland</li><li>Robert Lewandowski</li><li>Eden Hazard</li><li>Iniesta</li><li>Kevin De Bruyne</li></ol>


There is some surprise in the updated Forbes list of the highest-paid soccer players. Ronaldo and Messi, no shock, but Hazard and Iniesta?

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Forbes Magazine"

News

Forbes updated list: Ronaldo salary double that of Messi

News

Ronaldo tops highest-paid athlete list: Where is Lionel Messi?

Business of Soccer

Saudi Pro League players dominate annual Forbes money list

Chelsea

Fiorentina owner wealthier than Chelsea's Boehly, Forbes reveal

Business of Soccer

Ronaldo back atop Forbes' highest paid athlete list

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappé leads Forbes list of highest-paid soccer players