Ronaldo beats Messi to top list of 100 highest-paid athletes after earning ₦406 billion in 2023

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is not slowing down anytime soon as far as earning power and potential goes

In the ever-competitive world of sports, the race to the top is not only played out on the fields and courts but also in the financial ledgers. 

The latest rankings of the highest-paid athletes across all sports for the last year have been unveiled, and leading the pack is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward, currently dazzling fans with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has clinched the top spot, a testament to his unparalleled marketability and athletic prowess.

Ronaldo's ascent to the pinnacle of the earnings list is hardly surprising, considering his monumental £175 million-a-year deal with the Saudi club. 

This, coupled with a plethora of lucrative endorsements with global brands such as Nike, Herbalife, Armani, Tag Heuer, DAZN, PokerStars, and his own brand CR7, has seen him amass an eye-watering £218 million ($275 million) over the past year. His earnings narrative is a blend of on-field excellence and off-field financial acumen, making him a standout figure in the sports world.

Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry extends beyond the pitch

For years, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been locked in a duel for supremacy, not just in footballing terms but also in their commercial appeal. While Messi may have edged out Ronaldo in terms of Ballon d'Or titles, the financial tables turn in Ronaldo's favor, showcasing a different aspect of their rivalry. Interestingly, Messi didn't follow Ronaldo as the second highest earner; that spot was taken by golf's rebel, John Rahm, who pocketed £144 million ($181 million), bolstered by a controversial leap to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf.

Messi, now showcasing his skills with MLS's Inter Miami, secured the third spot with earnings of £100 million, a mix of reduced playing salary and substantial endorsement deals. The Argentine's placement underscores the global appeal of football, with him and Ronaldo being part of an elite quartet of footballers in the top ten earners.

Football's financial heavyweights

While Ronaldo and Messi top the list, they are joined by other footballers in the realm of high earners. Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who once starred together for PSG also make the top 10. Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah also made the list, coming in at 18th and 23rd respectively on the list of the highest-paid athletes in the world. 

The dominance of footballers on the list showcases the financial might of football, with players’ earnings from salaries and endorsements putting them among the elite and further showing the massive commercial appeal of footballers on the global stage.

Stars from Other Arenas Shine Bright

The list also highlights the financial muscle of other sports stars, with NBA's LeBron James marking his presence in the top echelons. James, in particular, stands out for raking in the highest from endorsements, a whopping £64 million, bringing his total to £99 million.

Basketball players continued to dominate the rankings, with Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant securing spots in the top ten, alongside NFL's Patrick Mahomes. This diversity showcases the vast earning potential across different sports.

Beyond the top ten, the list provides insights into the leading earners in other sports. Formula One's Max Verstappen outpaced Lewis Hamilton, while boxing's Canelo Alvarez emerged as the top earner, reflecting his dominance inside the ring. Tennis also saw representation, with Novak Djokovic making the cut.

This comprehensive list not only celebrates the financial successes of these athletes but also highlights the global nature of sports, where talent, coupled with marketability, can lead to unparalleled financial rewards. As fans, while we marvel at their on-field exploits, these figures provide a fascinating glimpse into the commercial dynamics that underpin professional sports today.

Related content