Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for the third year in a row – and for the fifth time overall in his increasingly less legendary career.
After his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, the Portuguese has an estimated total income of $275 million in 2024. – With only a few weeks left of his contact, there are growing rumours that Ronaldo, who is now 40 years old, will prioritise a club that plays proper football so that he can be part of Portugal’s World Cup squad for the summer of 2026.
Continued stay in the desert in Saudi Arabia will simply not give him the combat training he needs.
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Ronaldo benefited from $14 million from business deals and sponsorships, on top of his gigantic club salary.
Norwegian representation on the list
- Erling Braut Haaland is listed as No. 34 with $62 million in annual income.
Top 5: Soccer, Basketball & Boxing
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) – $290 million
- Stephen Curry (Basketball) – $160 million
- Became the first NBA player ever with 4,000 3-pointers
- Tyson Fury (Boxing) – $150 million
- Increased revenue through Netflix series and Malta marketing
- Dak Prescott (American Football) – $140 million.
- New record contract with the Dallas Cowboys
- Lionel Messi (Soccer) – $140 million.
Where does the money come from?
Ronaldo’s earnings are due to:
- World’s highest football salary 200 million euros/year)
- Lifetime agreements with the Nike, Herbalife and CR7 brands
- Lucrative investments in hotels, gyms and media
Source: Forbes’ “World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 2024”
