Portuguese supertar Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list of the highest-paid athletes for a second year running.
Ronaldo also headed the list last year following his move to Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr.
The latest list of the highest-paid athletes released by Forbes reveals that the 39-year-old Portuguese forward earned $260 million over the past 12 months, up from $136m in the business magazine’s 2023 listing.
Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi has fallen a place to third ($135m in the last year) behind Spanish golfer Jon Rahm RodrÃguez. It bears noting that Rahm’s earnings of $218m also has a Saudi connection. Rahm’s move to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Tour has contributed substantially to his earnings.
French striker Kylian Mbappe and his compatriot Karim Benzema, alongside Neymar Jr. of Brazil are the other three footballers who are a part of Forbes top ten highest-paid athletes.
According to Forbes, the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes collectively earned $1.38 billion before taxes and agents’ fees over the past 12 months, which is the highest total ever.
World’s top 10 highest paid athletes 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $260m
Jon Rahm, golf: $218m
Lionel Messi, football: $135m
LeBron James, basketball: $128.2m
Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball: $111m
Kylian Mbappe, football: $110m
Neymar, football: $108m
Karim Benzema, football: $106m
Stephen Curry, basketball: $102m
Lamar Jackson, American football: $100.5m
Ronaldo’s wealth increased substantially after signing a contract with the Saudi football club Al Nassr to play in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi club and will earn €200 million ($217m) per season.
