FORBES’ HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES LIST ONCE AGAIN PLACES RONALDO AT THE TOP

Fri 17 May 2024:

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career. Spanish golfer Jon Rahm climbed to second place following his impressive move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Ronaldo achieved the top spot after joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, with Forbes estimating his total earnings at around $260 million, the highest ever for a footballer.

Despite approaching his 40s, Ronaldo expressed on Wednesday his intention to continue playing football “at a high level.”

Lionel Messi, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is third on the list. His profitable move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami contributed to his $135 million earnings. The 36-year-old earned $65 million on the field and $70 million off it, thanks to endorsements with major brands like Adidas and Apple.

Business magazine Forbes says, external the 39-year-old Portugal forward earned $260m (£205m) – up from $136m (£108.7m) – over the past 12 months.

Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi has fallen a place to third behind Rahm.

The Spanish golfer has jumped up to second on the back of his switch to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour and is reported to have earned $218m (£172m).

Footballers Neymar and Karim Benzema have also entered the top 10 after moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (fifth) joins fellow basketball stars LeBron James (fourth) and Stephen Curry (ninth) on the list, while American football quarterback Lamar Jackson is in 10th spot.

According to Forbes, the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes collectively earned $1.38 bn (£1.06bn) before taxes and agents’ fees over the past 12 months, which is the highest total ever.