Forbes’ List Unveiled: Ronaldo Takes the Lead, Surpassing Messi as Highest Paid Athlete in 2023
Ronaldo Surpasses Messi, Tops List as World’s Highest-Earning Sportsman in 2023
In a remarkable achievement, star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed Lionel Messi to claim the title of the world’s highest-earning sportsman in 2023.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo secured this position for the first time since 2017, propelled by his significant yearly gross earnings from Al-Nassr. This remarkable feat marks the third time in his illustrious career that he has achieved this distinction.
Ronaldo’s remarkable earnings have also earned him a coveted Guinness World Record for the highest annual earning by an athlete this year.
The Portuguese forward has amassed an estimated $136 million in the past 12 months, from May 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023, as reported by Guinness World Records. This sum includes $46 million in on-field earnings and an impressive $90 million in off-field income.
In 2022, Messi held the title of the highest-earning sportsman with an estimated amount of £103 million. However, this year, Ronaldo’s financial success has propelled him to the top.
Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League in December 2022, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr, has been instrumental in his elevated earnings. Rumored to earn approximately $75 million per year, his off-field income significantly contributes to his overall financial success. In addition to a lifetime contract with Nike, Ronaldo generates substantial revenue through his popular CR7-branded merchandise.
Remarkably, the top three highest-earning athletes in 2022-23 are all footballers. Alongside Ronaldo and Messi, Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé also features on the list.
Messi, securing the second spot, boasts total earnings of $130 million, equally divided between on-field and off-field income.
Meanwhile, Mbappé enjoys overall earnings of $120 million, further emphasizing football’s dominant presence in the realm of sports earnings.
