Cristiano Ronaldo named world’s highest-paid athlete

By Seyi Babalola

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr striker, has topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid sportsmen for the third straight year.

The 40-year-old earned around £206.6 million in 2024, which is £11.2 million higher than in 2023.

Ronaldo is estimated to earn £177 million per year at the Saudi club, which he signed from Manchester United in December 2022.

Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, is number one on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for a third consecutive year.

The 40-year-old banked around £206.6million in 2024, which is £11.2m more than in 2023.

Ronaldo is believed to earn £177million-a-year salary at the Saudi club, which he joined from Manchester United in December 2022.

He is ahead of NBA’s Steph Curry and British boxer Tyson Fury.

Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi drops to fifth place from third place in 2024.

TOP 10 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £206.6m ($275m)
2. Stephen Curry – £117.1m ($156m)
3. Tyson Fury – £109.5m ($146m)
4. Dak Prescott £102.8m ($137m)
5. Lionel Messi £101.3m ($135m)
6. LeBron James £100.4m ($133.8m)
7. Juan Soto £85.5m ($114m)
8. Karim Benzema £78m ($104m)
9. Shohei Ohtani £76.9m ($102.5m)
10. Kevin Durant £76.1m ($101.4m)